Stuart Broad faces a race to be fit for tomorrow's Champ-ions Trophy semi-final against Australia after he was diagnosed with a torn muscle in his left buttock.
England will not make a decision on their all-rounder until the last possible moment in the hope that he can prove his fitness for the match.
A scan before practice this morning revealed a minor tear and although he bowled at full capacity in the nets at Centurion, he is restricted in certain movements.
Broad was man of the match in the Ashes-sealing win at The Brit Oval in August and his absence for the day-nighter tomorrow would be a serious blow to England's chances of winning a global event for the first time.
"He's got a little tear in one of the muscles in his buttock and we are going to give him a bit more time to see if he's going to be fit," said England coach Andy Flower.
"We gave him a fitness test - he bowled at full pace in the nets but there are other factors like bending, running and fielding. He's not 100 per cent fit but we want to give him a chance."
Having begun a series of exercises under the supervision of physio Kirk Russell and doctor Mike Stone, 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.
The group in the middle of the ground were joined by captain Andrew Strauss and Flower 15 minutes later. Following further discussions, Broad simulated running between the wickets with three shuttle runs. However, he did not appear to be moving freely and left for the dressing room.
Broad complained of tightness in the area during the Group B defeat to New Zealand on Tuesday night, when he claimed four wickets. So, following treatment yesterday, he was dispatched for the scan first thing today while his team-mates began their net session.
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Wicketkeeper Matt Prior took part following a virus and whether he can participate in the match will be decided in tomorrow morning.
England have asked the International Cricket Council permission to call in stand-by keeper Steve Davies if Prior is still struggling.
"He's over the worst of that illness," said Flower. "He's still nowhere near 100 per cent, though."
