Broad fit to lead England for first time after second injury scare

England's new Twenty20 captain Stuart Broad had a second injury scare before today's clash with Sri Lanka at Bristol, but declared himself fit to lead the side for the first time.

Broad bruised his heel during the third Test against Sri Lanka at the Rose Bowl and had been in some discomfort, leading to some concern over whether he would be fit to start work as Paul Collingwood's replacement.

But, having shaken off that problem, he then took a potentially awkward tumble in practice yesterday morning, falling over a medicine ball in the outfield while completing catching drills.

He received treatment on his ankle but is ready to face the tourists.

"It's fine, but it was a bit frustrating tripping over a medicine ball," he said. "It seems to have pulled up quite well so it's not a concern and I'm really excited about the opportunity of captaining the side.

"I didn't see the medicine ball as I was looking up at the catch. It was a bit of a shock to hit the deck like I did, but a little bit of taping will hold it together and I'm just looking forward to getting on the park."

Broad, the second of three England captains in as many matches after Test leader Andrew Strauss and before new one-day man Alastair Cook, is happy with the make-up of his first squad.

There is a return for Samit Patel following much-publicised weight problems, while England's World Twenty20 conquering opening pair, Michael Lumb and Craig Kieswetter, are also back in the fold after falling from grace last year.

"It's an honour captaining the side for the first time, but we don't have a huge amount of T20 cricket before the next World Cup and we have to make the most of it," he added.

"It's obviously a very proud moment to lead your country for the first time, but, more importantly, I'm very proud to lead the guys in this changing room. We have a very exciting team and we cover all areas."

England squad: S Broad (c), E Morgan (vc), I Bell, R Bopara, J Dernbach, S Finn, C Kieswetter (wkt), M Lumb, S Patel, K Pietersen, G Swann, C Woakes, L Wright.

Sri Lanka squad: T Dilshan (c), T Kandamby (vc), D Chandimal (wkt), S Jayasuriya, M Jayawardene, S Randiv, D Karunaratne, N Kulasekara, S Lakmal, L Malinga, A Matthews, A Mendis, J Mendis, T Perera, D Prasad, K Sangakkara.