Broad expected to play despite death in the family

STUART Broad is expected to be named in the England team for today's NatWest Series opener against Bangladesh despite the death of his stepmother.

Broad's father, former England batsman and current International Cricket Council match referee Chris, announced yesterday that his wife, Miche, had lost her battle with motor neurone disease. He had recently been granted leave from his ICC role while caring for her, although Stuart and sister Gemma - an analyst with the national side - have continued with their England duties.

There has been no official word from the England and Wales Cricket Board; however, Broad is thought to be available for action today and should line up against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge in the first of three one-day internationals.

In a statement released by Chris Broad via the ICC, he said his wife was adamant the family should uphold their cricketing commitments.

The statement read: "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my wife, Miche. She has been battling bravely with motor neurone disease for some time now and she unfortunately passed away this morning. I wish to thank all those who have been so kind to Miche, me and my family since she was first diagnosed."

Should Broad not be named in the starting XI, back-up seamer Ajmal Shahzad could be in line for a recall.

One man who has already been ruled out of the match, and the series, is star batsman Kevin Pietersen.

The management were already planning to rest their No 3 against the Tigers when a thigh strain made their decision for them.

Ian Bell, present but not selected in all five matches in the 3-2 series win over Australia, is the man most likely to be given the task of replacing Pietersen, though Warwickshire team-mate Jonathan Trott is also in the squad as cover.