• Twenty20 International

Bullish Broad cools fitness fears

Stuart Broad is urging his players to show a lot of passion on the field © PA Photos

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Stuart Broad insists he is winning the fitness battle to make his debut as England's Twenty20 captain in the clash with Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Broad bruised his heel on the final day of the third Test against Sri Lanka, but took a full part in fielding drills on Thursday in Bristol, and is expected to come through a rigorous bowling examination on Friday.

"My heel is OK," Broad told the Daily Mail. "I woke up on Monday and could barely put any weight on the foot. It's a deep bruise and, as any bowler will tell you, that can be a real nuisance when you are slamming your foot into the ground.

"In cricket you play through niggles and this is just a painful niggle. I will be absolutely fine for Bristol on Saturday."

Broad's upbeat bulletin denies Eoin Morgan, who has been appointed Twenty20 vice-captain, the opportunity to skipper the side for the first time. But Morgan is still expected to be heavily involved in the decision-making process, with Broad revealing he was adamant the batsman should be his No. 2.

"I am really looking forward to working with Eoin Morgan as vice-captain," Broad said. "I had a strong input on that decision. He is the perfect choice, an experienced Twenty20 cricketer with some really good, interesting ideas on the game."

Although Broad has come under fire for his tendency to cut an irritiable figure on the field, he will urge his players to show their combative side. "I know all eyes will be on me as captain but I want to be passionate and aggressive," he said. "I want to see those qualities from all the players. I want them to know they can take risks with responsibility. I want to see fearless cricket."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.