Steven Finn had to miss England net practice yesterday with a disc strain in his lower back and is doubtful for the fourth Test against India today.
On the eve of the crucial match at Nagpur’s VCA Stadium, England learned that Stuart Broad will definitely be unfit and Finn may also be unavailable.
The tourists, 2-1 up with one to play, are now down to three fully-fit seamers James Anderson, Graham Onions and Tim Bresnan.
Broad was ruled out of contention because of his bruised left heel, but may still be available for next week’s two Twenty20s.
England’s Twenty20 captain was highly unlikely to be selected, although news of Finn’s sore back meant Broad’s absence too is more troubling.
An England and Wales Cricket Board statement revealed that Finn, as well as Broad, was sent for a scan.
It added: “He will not train today; final decision re selection will be made tomorrow morning.”
Finn replaced Broad for last week’s seven-wicket win in Kolkata after he recovered from a thigh strain and his fellow seamer lost form.
Broad first suffered his heel injury in a tour match in Mumbai last month.
After suffering more discomfort at Tuesday’s net practice he was sent for a second scan which showed the same as the first one he underwent five weeks ago.
Broad has endured an especially miserable tour in which he did not manage to take a wicket in either of the first two Tests and was then dropped for the third.