Broad doubtful for semi clash

England all-rounder Stuart Broad's participation in the Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia appeared in doubt on Thursday.

Broad underwent a scan on his gluteal region before arriving at Centurion to undergo a fitness check.

Having begun a series of exercises under the supervision of physio Kirk Russell and doctor Mike Stone at around 11.45am, the 23-year-old halted midway through one of them and hunkered down with hands on knees.

He flexed his left leg moments later but was clearly unhappy with something.

The group in the middle of the ground were joined by captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower at midday.

Following further discussions between the collective, a bat was brought into the middle at 12.10pm and Broad simulated running between the wickets with three shuttle runs.

However, he did not appear to be moving freely and he left for the dressing room with Russell and Stone as the group broke up.

Broad complained of tightness in his left buttock during the Group B defeat to New Zealand on Tuesday night, when he claimed four wickets.

So, following treatment on Wednesday, he was dispatched for the scan first thing on Thursday morning while his team-mates began their net session.

Broad was man of the match in the Ashes-sealing win at The Oval in August and his absence for Friday's day-nighter would be a serious blow to England's chances of winning a global event for the first time.