Filed under: Cricket, The Ashes, England Cricket, Tests, Australia Cricket
When the final day in Adelaide started and there were doubts whether the rain would come, the update on Stuart Broad's fitness was that he was certain to miss the rest of the Ashes.It hardly put a stop to the celebrations when England beat the rain and flimsy resistance of Australia's tail to establish a 1-0 lead in the series.
And the forecast for retaining the little urn still looks good for the tourists, yet Broad's absence at the very least would be a blow in terms of the 24-year-old experiencing success Down Under.
Should England have needed it, Broad was one of the bowlers Andrew Strauss could turn to if he wanted inspiration.
That was the case during the last series when Broad put himself in the limelight with his spell at The Oval when the deciding Test of the series was in the balance.
During the first two Tests of this series he may not have looked like taking the five for 37 like he did that day, but his place has never appeared under threat.
In fact, the talk before the second Test was whether Steven Finn should be replaced. Confirmation of Broad's abdominal injury means there is a new selection dilemma.
An ECB statement read: "England bowler Stuart Broad has today been ruled out of the remainder of England's tour of Australia - including the current Ashes series and the forthcoming One-Day International series - due to a torn abdominal muscle suffered during the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.
"Broad will return to the UK shortly to begin rehabilitation and recovery with a view to preparing for England's ICC World Cup campaign in February 2011."
Chris Tremlett's pace and bounce would suit the pitch at Perth - where the third Test starts next week - and is seen as the most positive choice.
Tim Bresnan offers more runs, while Ajmal Shahzad has also bowled well in warm-up matches. Before Perth there is a three-day match against Victoria where all three can stake their claim.
Strauss has plenty of options andbeating Australia by an innings and 71 runs means there is no need to worry. Broad, on his part, has been left "devastated" that he will not be part of what could be a memorable tour.
"Playing for England in an Ashes series in Australia has been something I've dreamed of for a long time so to have that cut short by injury is devastating," he said.
"So far the series has been everything I had anticipated and knowing I'll play no further part is quite hard to take.
"Given the way we had started the series I was looking forward to playing a leading role in England retaining the Ashes but that's not to be.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/12/07/stuart-broads-injury-casts-small-shadow-over-englands-ashes-su/
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