Broad ruled out with knee problem

Stuart Broad has been ruled out of England's final two one-day internationals against Australia after experiencing pain in his right knee. Broad is not in doubt for the Champions Trophy but the England team's medical staff felt it was wise to allow the allrounder an extra few days of rest before departing for South Africa.

A tendon in Broad's right knee became inflamed after the fifth ODI at Trent Bridge, which Australia won to take a 5-0 lead in the seven-match contest. Broad experienced discomfort in the knee for the better part of two years, but only in recent days did the pain increase to the point where sidelining him became necessary. James Anderson returned from his designated rest period to replace Broad in the starting XI for the sixth ODI against Australia at Trent Bridge.

"Stuart has had a niggling injury to his right knee for some time which had been manageable and until recently had not led to him missing any cricket," England chief medical officer, Nick Peirce, said. "This ongoing niggle, a tendinopathy, or inflammation to the tendon, has recently flared.

"This requires rest and as a result Stuart won't be available for England's final two matches of the NatWest Series. We expect Stuart to play a full part in the forthcoming Champions Trophy after which time he will undertake a strengthening programme prior to England's tour of South Africa."

Broad is the latest England player to suffer an injury this summer. Allrounder Luke Wright was ruled out of the last three games after breaking his toe while facing a bowling machine in Loughborough, while Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff missed the entire one-day series after undergoing surgery.