LONDON: England paceman Stuart Broad took part in a net session on Thursday, on the eve of the fifth Test against India, while wearing a splint to protect his broken nose.
The fast-medium bowler missed England's training session at The Oval on Wednesday but was back in action on Thursday.
Broad has his nose broken while batting at Old Trafford by a Varun Aaron bouncer which he deflected between the peak of his helmet and the grille.
He batted in The Oval nets wearing a different helmet, facing spin and short-pitched throw downs from England batting coach Mark Ramprakash and later bowled at close to full pace.
England hope to have Broad -- who took six for 25 in India's first innings in Manchester -- available for the finale of a five-match series they now lead 2-1 after their innings and 54 run win at Old Trafford.
"We think he's going to be absolutely fine," England captain Alastair Cook told reporters at The Oval on Thursday.
"We reserve the right tomorrow (Friday) morning, in case something unusual happens overnight.
"(But) we're not expecting anything like that at all.
"He batted, he bowled his six or seven overs and didn't get any pain from it," opening batsman Cook added.
"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."
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