England pace bowler Stuart Broad has been ruled out of the entire Test series against India after suffering a tear in his right calf, England and Wales Cricket Board has shared the news on Wednesday (August 11). The speedster has suffered the injury during training on Tuesday at Lord’s prior to the second Test. Notably, Saqib Mahmood has been named as cover to the squad as well.
“Broad underwent an MRI scan in London on Wednesday lunchtime, which revealed a tear,” ECB said in a statement.
England have been facing several injury issues ahead of the second Test at Lord’s. While Stuart Broad has been ruled out of the series, there is concern over James Anderson’s participation as he is struggling with a tight quad as well. Meanwhile, Mark Wood is likely to return to the playing XI for the second match whereas all-rounder Moeen Ali is all set to feature in the game.
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On the other hand, Saqib Mahmood, the Lancashire pace bowler, could make his Test debut if their pace spearhead James Anderson is ruled out. The pace bowler has played 22 first-class matches and has claimed 65 wickets which came at an average of 26.30 with one five-wicket haul to his name as well. Mahmood was quite impressive in the series against Pakistan and scalped nine wickets in three ODI games as well which came at an average of 13.66.
Meanwhile, both England and India have lost two points each from their World Test Championship tally for the slow over-rate during the first Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Apart from that, both sides will have to give 40 per cent of their match fees because of the aforesaid offence by match referee Chris Broad as well.
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“In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short,” ICC said in a release.
