'Fit' Broad 'ready to go if the Test started today'

England seamer Stuart Broad has assured that he will be fit ahead of next week's Ashes opener against Australia, saying that he would be ready to go if the Test started today (Thursday) itself.

Although Broad has not bowled competitively since injuring his right shoulder diving to regain his ground while batting during England's ICC Champions Trophy final defeat by India, he, however, had a cortisone injection and some bowling practice during England's warm-up against Essex on Wednesday, Sport24 reports.

Insisting that he is now fully fit and available for the start of England's Ashes defence, beginning at Trent Bridge, and his Nottinghamshire home ground, on July 10, Broad said that he can play even if the Test starts on Thursday, adding that his injury seemed to have settled after the cortisone injection to get rid of the extra fluid.

According to Broad, he has batted and bowled on Wednesday, adding that the injury would have been a serious issue if had happened anywhere except his right shoulder.

Broad further said that there was a little catching when he rotated his arm, which was not healing as fast it should have.

Backing Broad's words, England coach Andy Flower said that he was pleasantly surprised by the paceman's first bowling attempt since his injury, adding that he anticipated him being fit and expressed his confidence that he should be all right for the first Test.

Meanwhile, Broad also said that although the English does not fear the Australian side, they respected them, adding that he hoped for a change in coach to bring an improved performance in the team, like football.

Broad further said that once a player steps on the field, it becomes a match between man versus man, adding that it is the better skills that tend to win games.