bresnan primed to replace broad

Stuart Broad is a doubt for England’s second Test against Sri Lanka – leaving the way open for a possible five-day return for Yorkshire’s Tim Bresnan.

By The Newsroom

Published 30th Mar 2012, 08:51 BST

Broad appeared uncomfortable when he came out to bat on day four of England’s 75-run defeat in the first match in Galle.

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed last night that he had sustained an injury in his right calf and, with just five days before the next match in Colombo he faces a fight to be fit.

There were question marks over Broad’s fitness earlier in the tour too, after he tripped over a boundary rope and sprained his ankle before the first tour match.

He was passed fit to play in a two-man seam attack for the first Test, but England would be loathe to risk him again if there is a chance of aggravating his calf problem.

Bresnan and Steven Finn are the replacement seamers in England’s squad and both would come into contention. Bresnan is has not played since an elbow injury ruled him out of the Pakistan series.