Broad set for Nottinghamshire outing

Stuart Broad is set for his only Nottinghamshire outing ahead of the first npower Test versus West Indies

Nottinghamshire are boosted by the inclusion of Stuart Broad for their opening LV= County Championship clash against Worcestershire.

The four-day match at Trent Bridge is the only action Broad will have for his county ahead of the first Test versus West Indies on May 6.

The 22-year-old paceman did not play in the Outlaws’ eight-wicket Friends Provident Trophy win over former county Leicestershire.

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell has named a enlarged 15-man squad as he awaits fitness reports on several players.

Newell said: “It’s great to have Stuart available and even more so that it’s for a home game, giving him the chance to play at Trent Bridge and in front of the home supporters.

“He deserved a break after a long winter and to be honest, I thought he would be available for next week’s match at Old Trafford rather than this.

“It strengthens the team but does mean someone will be unlucky to miss out after what was about as good an early-season performance as you can get against Leicestershire.”

Graeme Swann will undergo a late test to determine his fitness for four-day cricket after returning from his troublesome elbow injury.

The England off-spinner took 3-24 from eight overs to help beat the Foxes on Sunday.

Seamers Ryan Sidebottom (Achilles) and Charlie Shreck (knee) are omitted, meaning Broad, Darren Pattinson and Andre Adams are likely to lead Notts’ attack.

Newell certainly has plenty of seam options, with Luke Fletcher, Paul Franks and Mark Ealham all retained after playing against Leicestershire.

Alex Hales pulls on his way to an unbeaten, match-sealing 52 in the Friends Provident Trophy on Sunday

Will Jefferson (hamstring) is named in the squad, but there is no place for fellow opening batsman Matt Wood (ankle). Alex Hales features, fresh from his unbeaten 52.

Notts captain Chris Read added: “We played very nicely against Leicestershire and I think we showed that we are ready to get stuck into the season.

“We’ve had a long pre-season and missing out on the fixtures last week did give us time for extra training.

“While we have a few injury concerns, we did show the strength of the squad by having the likes of Luke Fletcher and Paul Franks come in and do such a good job against Leicestershire was terrific.

“That bodes well for the rest of the campaign and we are all very much looking forward to playing Worcestershire.”

Kabir Ali is ruled out as Worcestershire seek to learn the extent of the hamstring injury he sustained in the FP Trophy win over Hampshire.

Kabir bowled just 4.1 overs before pulling up with the problem, as the Royals gained revenge for their opening championship thrashing at the Rose Bowl.

His place is likely to go to the county’s new overseas player Ashley Noffke. The Australia all-rounder’s arrival at New Road has been held up by a persistent back injury.

Simon Jones is ruled out until June with his knee injury, so Worcestershire could return to seamer Matt Mason, who played in the championship match, but missed the Trophy win at the Rose Bowl.