Fitness fears for Broad ahead of first Test against Lanka

Colombo: Fitness fears surround England fast bowler Stuart Broad ahead of the visitors first Test against Sri Lanka, which is to take place in less than a week.

A daily quoted a team source, as saying that: "His ankle wasn`t brilliant when he bowled. He still felt some discomfort. He`d have hoped for the ankle to be fine after five days but it was actually quite a severe twist." Team management were due to make a decision on whether he plays in the final warm-up against a Sri Lankan Development XI early this morning. Broad has had three serious injuries in 15 months — stomach muscle, shoulder and elbow. This is unlikely to be a long-term problem but could mean he is short of full fitness on Monday for the first of two Tests. Head coach Andy Flower said: "I don`t think it`s absolutely necessary for Stuart to play in the final warm-up match, but it`s preferable if he is going to play in the Test." ANI