Broad confident of timely comeback

England

Fast bowler Stuart Broad has all but been declared fit for England's World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand next year.

Fast bowler Stuart Broad has all but been declared fit for England's World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand next year.

Broad is currently sidelined by a knee injury, which prevented participation in the ongoing five-ODI series and one-off Twenty20 International against India, and will undergo surgery later this year.

"The World Cup doesn't start until mid-February, so it is a huge amount of time," Broad told <i>Sky Sports</i>. "But there is no doubt that I will be, unless something drastic goes wrong, fit for that tour of Australia."

"I'm actually looking forward to it, the layoff, now. I'm a bit nervous about the operation, but the thought of having a bit of time to get really fit and strong leading into what is such a busy 18 months, it will be the best thing for me.

"At 28 years old, my body will recover better than if I was 31 or 32. It has been lined up for a little while to have this operation done. It's my first ever one, so I'm naturally nervous."

The English have been pooled with Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Scotland at the 2015 limited-overs showpiece. Their first fixture will be against the Aussies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 14 February.

"We are building towards the World Cup and that is still some time away. There is still time for players to put their hands up for selection, even those outside the set-up, so it's an exciting time to be involved as an England cricketer," added Broad. "We will be fresh and very focused on the World Cup. I expect us to do well."

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