Stuart Broad, England’s new Twenty20 captain, had a second injury scare ahead of Saturday’s match against Sri Lanka in Bristol but insisted he would be fit to lead the team for the first time.
Broad suffered a bruised heel during the drawn third Test against Sri Lanka at the Rose Bowl concluded earlier this week, leading to concerns over whether he would be able to take up the reins in his first match as Paul Collingwood’s replacement as skipper. Indeed the injury led England to announce Eoin Morgan as vice-captain of the Twenty20 side.
But Broad, having overcome his heel problem, suffered an awkward looking tumble during fielding practice on Friday, falling over a medicine ball while taking a catch. He received treatment on his ankle but said afterwards he was fit. “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 tomorrow (Saturday).
“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 will be the second of three England captains in as many matches now that Test skipper Andrew Strauss no longer plays limited overs cricket and with Alastair Cook leading the team for the five one-day internationals (ODIs) against Sri Lanka that follow the Twenty20 fixtures.
England have recalled World Twenty20 winning opening duo Michael Lumb and Craig Kieswetter after the pair’s loss of form, while Nottinghamshire all-rounder Samit Patel is back after doing enough to convince team management he is tackling his fitness problems. Seam-bowling all-rounder Broad, who has no previous senior leadership experience, has been identified as the man to lead England in the defence of their Twenty20 title in Sri Lanka next year.