Yet Broad, man of the match at Old Trafford, emerged from a Manchester hospital after missing India's startling collapse and ruled out reconstructive surgery before insisting he will be fit to play, complete with a mask, on Friday.
‘Little bit sore this morning but not too bad,' tweeted Broad while posting a photo of his face looking very much the worse for wear. ‘Doc did a great job with the stitches. On to The Oval (with a mask).'
It certainly came as big boost for England, who on Sunday named an unchanged 13-man squad for their final Test, with Steven Finn retaining his place once it became clear that Liam Plunkett would not return in time from injury.
Broad, who took India's six wickets for 25 in the first innings at Old Trafford,, faces an operation on his right knee that will rule him out for four months after this series and desperately wanted to be given the all-clear for The Oval.
