Broad unscathed as he is hit by golf ball in Brisbane

E n g l a n d s e a m e r S t u a r t Broad is “fine” after taking an unexpected blow from a golf ball.

Broad is no stranger to finding himself in the firing line in Brisbane, where the home crowd and press delivered a barrage of verbal bouncers i n his direction on his l ast Ashes trip.

Broad became public enemy No 1 round these parts in 2013- 14 when most of Australia remained irked by his decision four months earlier not to walk off in the Trent Br i dge Te s t a f t e r e dgi ng a ball – via the wicketkeeper’s gloves – to slip.

I n r e s p o n s e , B r i s b a n e’s Courier Mail refused to name hi m – r e f e r r i ng i nst e ad t o “t he 27- ye a r - ol d mediump a c e r ”, a n d p r i n t i n g o n l y washed- out and faceless silhouettes of him.

B r o a d h a s s p o k e n s e v - e r a l t i me s i n t h e l e a d - u p t o t h i s A s h e s c a m p a i g n , which begins at the Gabba on Thursday, of his curiosity to see what is in store for him here this time. There has been nothing of note, however, since England’s arrival on Sunday until – in the expecte d s a n c t u a r y o f B r i s b a n e Golf Club – he was hit by a stray ball on the lower back while he was bending down to size up a practice putt.

A n E n g l a n d a n d Wa l e s Cri c ket B oar d s p oke s man said: “Stuart was practising on the putting green when he was hit by a stray golf ball from a member. He is fine, and no dramas.” ● India captain Virat Kohli scored his 50th international century but had to settle for a draw in the first Test as Sri Lanka somehow managed to stave off defeat in a dramatic finale in Kolkata

After Kohli’s rapid 104 not out help ed set Sri Lanka a token 231 to win in just over a session, India’s bowlers very nearly snatched an incredible win for the hosts.

They had reduced Sri Lank a t o 75 f o r s e ve n b e f o r e f a d i n g l i g h t l e d t o t h e umpires c a l l i ng a n e nd t o proceedings.