8 Dec 2010

England seek replacement for Broad

7:10 am on 8 December 2010

England are likely to test three seam bowlers in this week's tour match against Victoria in Melbourne following the "devastating" loss of injured paceman Stuart Broad for the rest of the Ashes cricket series.

Broad was ruled out with a torn abdominal muscle shortly before England clinched a thumping innings and 71-run victory over Australia in the second test in Adelaide yesterday to take a 1-nil lead in the five-test series.

It's an especially cruel blow for England heading for the third test in Perth where pace bowlers traditionally prosper on fast bouncy pitches.

Broad, who is returning to England, said having his Ashes tour cut short was devastating, but he's expected to be fit in time for the one-day World Cup on the sub-Continent in February.