by Our Sports Desk

Stuart Broad was able to practise with England on the eve of the fifth Test against India, sporting a splint on his broken nose.

The fast bowler was absent from afternoon nets at The Oval on Wednesday but rejoined his teammates yesterday morning.

Broad, whose nose was broken by a Varun Aaron bouncer during England’s victory at Old Trafford last week, was the first to have a bat here.

But wearing a different helmet from the one he had on when he edged a delivery from Aaron which then squeezed between grille and peak in Manchester, he faced no pace in his first net back — only spin and throw-downs.

He bowled too, working up to full pace without any apparent discomfort.

England still hope Broad will be fit to play today when they will seek to turn their 2-1 lead into series victory over India.

Captain Alastair Cook sounded confident about Broad’s well-being, having watched him practice.

“We think he’s going to be absolutely fine,” he said.

“We reserve the right tomorrow morning, in case something unusual happens overnight.

“(But) we’re not expecting anything like that at all.”

The only apparent uncertainty is over which protective covering Broad may yet choose when the match gets under way.

“He batted, he bowled his six or seven overs and didn’t get any pain from it,” said Cook.

“So we’re expecting him to be absolutely fine, and see what mask he pulls on tomorrow.

“I don’t know what’s been going on but there have been quite a few masks.

“I’m not quite sure if he’s just going to wear it when he’s batting, or if he’s bowling, but I honestly don’t think it’s going to affect his performance at all — which is good.”