New side injury forces Broad to follow Pietersen out of World Cup

The Nottinghamshire seam bowler has followed Kevin Pietersen home in another serious setback to England’s hopes.

Broad, 24, complained of stiffness in his side during Sunday’s six-run victory over South Africa, a match in which Pietersen’s hernia problem also flared up.

Broad, who captured 4-15 against the Springboks, is due to arrive home today and is likely to be replaced by Surrey pace bowler Chris Tremlett, who has been on stand-by with the England squad.

It is the latest headache to befall England, who are seeking to win the 50-over tournament for the first time.

And it is another bitter blow for Broad, who missed the final three Ashes Tests with an abdominal tear.

Broad’s injury will be reassessed in England before the England and Wales Cricket Board announce a timetable for his recovery.

A decision will then be taken on his participation in the forthcoming Indian Premier League.

Nick Peirce, the ECB chief medical officer, said: “Stuart felt some discomfort following the South Africa match and our initial assessment indicated a strain to his left side.

“Subsequent scans have confirmed a significant side strain injury, where the muscle attaches the rib, that will rule him out of the remainder of the World Cup.

“This is a new injury, separate from the abdominal tear suffered during the Ashes, that requires a period of recuperation and rehabilitation.”

Speaking before a scan confirmed his worst fears, Broad said: “I’ve not had a side strain in this manner before.

“It’s quite a common injury for bowlers.

“I felt a little bit tight during the South Africa game. It started to throb a little bit throughout my second spell.

“Then, after the game, it stiffened up when the adrenaline was out of my body.”

Once England have determined Broad’s replacement, they must submit an application to the International Cricket Council Event Technical Committee.

They went down the same route when replacing Pietersen with Eoin Morgan earlier this week.

The Irishman is in contention for England’s next World Cup match, against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Friday.

Yorkshire’s Ajmal Shahzad could also play a part now that Broad has gone home.

Broad has played 76 one-day internationals since his debut against Pakistan at Cardiff in 2006.

He has taken 130 wickets at 25.69 with a best of 5-23 against South Africa at Trent Bridge in 2008.