It may look like a nasty mugging, but Stuart Broad has been told by doctors there is nothing on the scans to prevent him playing in England's final Test at the Oval, after a Varun Aaron bouncer smashed his nose on Saturday.
The shock and pain of being struck by a ball travelling at 140km/h are considerable and Broad is apprehensive about damaging himself further.
But England's medical team are poised to give him every reassurance and help, from face masks to painkillers, in order to get him fit after his brilliant bowling at Old Trafford set up victory against India there.
Face masks have been worn before by sportsmen, mostly by those protecting fractured cheekbones. Broad tweeted a picture of the damage and suggested he might wear one, though much will depend on the amount of swelling next Thursday, when his options are likely to be discussed.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
