England have been dealt with an injury blow hours ahead of the 2nd Test with Stuart Broad ruled out of the remainder of the five-match series. He has sustained a tear to his right calf and will miss out on the remaining games.

He underwent an MRI scan in London on Wednesday lunchtime, which revealed a tear. England have called up Lancashire fast bowler Saqib Mahmood as a replacement.

Stuart Broad has been ruled out of the Test series against India with a torn calf pic.twitter.com/LOlHTrTXIh

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) August 11, 2021

Saqib Mahmood has played 22 first-class games and has picked up 65 wickets at an average of 26.30 with one five-wicket 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.England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated that Stuart Broad underwent an MRI on Wednesday which revealed a tear.

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

James Anderson also doubtful for Lord’s Test

While Stuart 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.

Meanwhile, India will also miss the service of Shardul Thakur, who complained of a hamstring pull during training on Monday. Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is likely to replace Shardul at Lord’s.

The 2nd Test between India and England starts on August 12 (Thursday) at Lord’s in London. The series is currently tied at 0-0 after a pale draw in Nottingham.

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