'Injured' Broad doubtful for first Proteas Test

England paceman Stuart Broad is doubtful for the opening Test of the four-match series against South Africa due to a heel injury.

The 30-year-old complained pain in his left heel before he was eventually forced to leave the pitch after bowling just one over during his Nottinghamshire side's defeat against Leicestershire by an innings.

Broad will now undergo scan to ascertain the extent of the problem.

Reflecting on Broad's injury, Nottinghamshire coach Peter Moores insisted that the paceman left the field purely as a precaution and that he would not have done the same if the context of the match had been different.

"Stuart had a bit of pain in his heel. He's had it for a while. If the situation had been different he could have pushed on through it but there was no need to so he came off and we'll monitor it and look after him," ESPNcricinfo quoted Moores as saying.

Meanwhile, England are also likely to be without fast bowler Chris Woakes, who is recovering from a side strain, while Ben Stokes played in the recently-concluded Champions Trophy with a sore knee and James Anderson has just returned to action after groin injury.

England are scheduled to play three T20s against South Africa before they will begin their Test series against the AB de Villiers-led side from July 6 at the Lord's.

-ANI