England Upbeat Over Stuart Broad's Fitness Despite Broken Nose

England expect Stuart Broad will be to play in the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval next week despite confirming the paceman had suffered a broken nose in their fourth Test win at Old Trafford. (Scorecard | Highlights | Pics | Report)

"X-rays confirm a fractured nose," an England and Wales Cricket Board spokeswoman told reporters at Old Trafford after England, with Broad off the field, completed a spectacular innings and 54-run victory inside three days to go 2-1 up in the series. (India in England: Pankaj Singh strikes at last)

"He will have treatment over the course of the week and the medical team anticipate he will be available for the fifth Test." (Broad suffers nose blow from nasty Varun Aaron bouncer)

Broad was hit when, trying to hook Varun Aaron for what would have been a third six in as many balls of the India fast bowler, he missed, with the ball lodging between the peak of his helmet and the grille. (Didn't think we could beat India in three days: Cook)

However, Broad was still named man-of-the-match for his first-innings return of six for 25 that was pivotal in India being skittled out for 152 after the tourists had in fact won the toss.

Immediately after he was hit, Broad signalled for the England physiotherapist to come on and, after several minutes of on-field treatment, with blood coming out of a nose wound, walked off as he retired hurt on 12, with England then 338 for eight.

Broad did not resume his innings when new-ball partner James Anderson was ninth man out, with England thus 367 all out -- a first-innings lead of 215 runs.

"Amazing win that!! Watched the last 8 wickets in a hospital! 2-1 One to go come on boys!," tweeted Broad from his hospital bed.

Broad revealed Thursday he would undergo surgery on a longstanding right knee problem some time after the fifth Test with a view to being fit in time for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand that starts in February.