Stuart Broad nets for England

London: England paceman Stuart Broad took part in a net session on Thursday, on the eve of the fifth Test against India, while wearing a splint to protect his broken nose.

The fast-medium bowler missed England`s training session at The Oval on Wednesday but was back in action on Thursday. Broad has his nose broken while batting at Old Trafford by a Varun Aaron bouncer which he deflected between the peak of his helmet and the grille. He batted in The Oval nets wearing a different helmet, facing spin and short-pitched throw downs from England batting coach Mark Ramprakash and later bowled at close to full pace. England hope to have Broad -- who took six for 25 in India`s first innings in Manchester -- available for the finale of a five-match series they now lead 2-1 after their innings and 54 run win at Old Trafford.