Broad and Prior likely to miss clash with Aussies

Published on Thursday 1 October 2009 23:37

ASHES heroes Stuart Broad and Matt Prior are doubtful for today's Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia at Centurion.

England will decide upon their participation for the 15th meeting scheduled between the sides inside three months this morning.

All-rounder Broad underwent a scan before practice yesterday morning which revealed a minor tear in his left buttock and, although he later bowled at full capacity in the nets at Centurion, he is restricted in certain movements and continues to experience discomfort.

Wicketkeeper Prior, meanwhile, is still not fully recovered from a virus despite returning to training, so Steven Davies has been placed on standby with International Cricket Council approval.

"Stuart Broad is struggling a bit, but we haven't ruled him out yet," said England coach Andy Flower. "He bowled at full pace in the nets and he was okay bowling, and then we gave him a test running between the wickets and fielding, but he's not at 100 per cent, so we'll make a decision on him in the morning."

One option is for 23-year-old Broad to have a painkilling injection to feature in the day-nighter but Flower appeared reluctant to go down that route.

"We'd take medical advice on him having a jab because we don't want to damage him further," said Flower.

Broad is full of niggles following a full international summer and was recently rested for the end of the 6-1 NatWest Series thrashing because of a knee problem. Because the tear in the muscle is relatively small, further rest could potentially allow him to play in the final, should England qualify.

"I don't think we can definitively say that it would be right by Monday but it would be better if we rested him," Flower said. "It would be a blow to lose him because he is starting to hit his straps as a bowler."

Prior, 27, rejoined his colleagues yesterday in the nets after missing the last two matches of the tournament. But Flower warned: "Prior is still struggling a bit. He's had this virus which has knocked him quite hard. He practised with us today for the first time but struggled through it. We're not sure whether he is fit enough to take part in a 100-over game and we'd consider replacing him with Steve."

England were crushed 6-1 by Australia in their NatWest Series campaign last month but had confidence repaired firstly by avoiding a whitewash in the final match at Chester-le-Street and then by defeating Group B favourites Sri Lanka and South Africa upon arrival here.

"Obviously we know a lot about Australia because we've been playing them all summer and everyone is looking forward to that challenge," said Flower.