BROAD SCARE A MINOR POINT AS BAYLISS LOOKS TO ROTATE FOR THIRD TEST

STUART BROAD was cleared to bowl and make early inroads into the Indian line-up after a scan showed only a minor strain in a tendon in his right foot.

The England bowler (right with Jimmy Anderson) has suffered discomfort throughout the Test, but he was able to put it out of his mind as he got rid of both openers at the start of India’s second innings.

His niggle will be monitored over the next two days, but he will play a full part in the rest of this match. His participation in the third Test is much less likely, though, with England always planning on rotating him out of the side at some point of the five match series. James Anderson with earlier than expected return has given England more confidence in making the switch for Mohali with Chris Woakes set for a recall. Jake Ball is also on red alert after illness struck Zafar Ansari during this match and has reduced the number of overs he would otherwise have bowled.

England have identified Mohali, the third Test venue, as being a ground where four seamers and two spinners could do the job and are prepared to shift the balance of their side. Before play yesterday there was concern etched on coach Trevor Bayliss’ face when Jonny Bairstow hobbled off.

Bairstow said: “I tripped up and made myself look a wally. I hurt my knee a bit, so that is why I went back.

“It didn’t affect me too much... just a pain in the backside – or the knee!”