Stuart Broad out of Test Series

English pacer Stuart Broad has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test Series against India after suffering a calf injury. As per England and Wales Cricket Board – Broad suffered a tear in his right calf during training on Tuesday at Lord’s ahead of the second Test.

Pacer Saqib Mahmood has been added to the squad as cover.

“Broad underwent an MRI scan in London on Wednesday lunchtime, which revealed a tear,” ECB said in a statement.

England will miss Broad’s services at Lord’s where he picked 95 Test Wickets in 24 matches at an average of 27.96. He picked 2 5 wicket hauls with a best of 7-44 at the Home of Cricket.

England have been hit with several injury concerns ahead of the second Test at Lord’s. While Broad has been ruled out, the hosts are sweating over the fitness of James Anderson, who is struggling with a tight quad. Mark Wood is likely to make the playing XI for the second match while Moeen Ali too is set to feature in the contest.

Saqib Mahmood, the Lancashire pacer or Craig Overton, might make it to the playing XI, if Anderson is ruled out. Mahmood has played 22 first-class games and has picked up 65 wickets at an average of 26.30 with 1 fifer to his name. Mahmood was mighty impressive in the series against Pakistan and picked nine wickets in three ODI games at an average of 13.66.

Meanwhile in the Indian camp, hamstring injury to Shardul Thakur has forced some selection headaches ahead of the Lord’s Test. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Ishant Sharma are front runners to make an appearance in the Playing XI.