Bresnan or Finn to step up for England in Broad Test absence

Desperate to arrest a run of four consecutive Test defeats, England have been dealt another blow with Stuart Broad sustaining a calf injury during their 75-run loss to Sri Lanka, and could miss the second Test, which England are 2/1 to win.

Broad is now doubtful for the upcoming fixture against the 2/1 Sri Lankans, after showing signs of discomfort when taking to the crease on the final day of the five-day match.

There was controversy surrounding Broad’s selection for the game in the first place, with the Nottinghamshire-born pace man deciding to compete despite a purported ankle niggle.

Now, with only five days until the second Test in Colombo, he looks unlikely to feature for England, whose position as the world’s number one Test side could soon come under scrutiny, should their dreadful form of late continue.

One of Tim Bresnan and Steven Finn look the most likely replacement for Broad, with the seam bowlers out to prove a point after sitting out the first Test defeat, and both will be in contention come Tuesday.

England’s batting order will need to show more resolve than they did in the first Test however, if they are to achieve a positive result on Sri Lankan soil, as patience again deserted the travelling side.

Jonathan Trott’s century was at least a positive as he became the first England player this year to rack up more than 100 runs, and coach Andy Flower will be hopeful that the 30-year-old can pick up where he left off on Tuesday.

Andrew Strauss meanwhile, will be desperate to improve on a second innings total of 27 as he aims to drag his charges from the slump they currently find themselves in after a blistering 2011.

If pace bowler James Anderson can perform as well as he did when attaining a 5-98 haul across both innings in the first Test, Broad may not be missed as sorely as it may be feared.