Broad’s Ashes tour ends
English pace man Stuart Broad has been ruled out of the ongoing Ashes series, after suffering a torn abdominal muscle. ECB’s chief medical officer Nick Peirce broke the news, moments before play started on the final day of the
second test. The English team, which bagged a famous innings and 71 runs victory in the second Test, is dispirited to see one of their key bowler leave.
Broad expressed his frustration saying, “I'm distraught at leaving the tour. Within two or three balls of my spell, I knew I was in big trouble, and I immediately said to Jimmy Anderson, 'I might be struggling here'. I got through
a few overs, but it felt like someone stabbing me in the stomach. I put a couple of bouncers in and I could hardly breathe. I knew my tour was over. I was going for broke then, and just trying to get a wicket before I was gone.”
Broad had not been entirely convincing with the ball in the first two Tests; claiming only two wickets at an average of just over 80. His aggression and ability to extract bounce from the fast Australian pitches, however, will
be sorely missed. England Captain Andrew Strauss has said, “He's distraught, and I think we're all distraught that he's going to be leaving us because he's a big part of our side, not just on the field but off the field too.”
Chris Tremlett, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Victoria-c859 on the 10th of December, with the Captain and Coach
analyzing their performance
Broad will fly home on Wednesday where he will be treated for his injury. The rehabilitation process is expected to take a minimum of 10 weeks, which might result in the fast bowler missing the initial World Cup matches. The 2011
World Cup, to be held in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bangladesh-c747, starts on the 19th of February.
The third Ashes Test will begin on the 16th of December at Perth. England will go into the match knowing a win would guarantee that they retain the Ashes trophy.
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