Broad confident of World Cup fitness

Stuart Broad believes he is on track to return for England in the one-day triangular series with Australia and India ahead of the World Cup. Broad underwent surgery last month on his right knee after playing for most of the year with patellar tendinitis and is currently undergoing a period of rehab.

Pending assessment by the ECB's medical team, he is set to join the England Performance Programme fast-bowling camp in South Africa before Christmas to work on his fitness for the tri-series, with England's first game on January 18. Fellow internationals Liam Plunkett and Boyd Rankin are part of the seven-man EPP group, who will work with former England bowling coach Ottis Gibson.

Broad last played ODI cricket in March, as England attempted to manage his long-term knee injury. Surgery ruled him out of contention for the Sri Lanka tour in November and December but he will be a key member of England's attack for the World Cup.

"I can't see why I wouldn't be fit," Broad said. "I'm going to Potchefstroom in South Africa in December to do some outdoor bowling. Until you've played a game it's hard to really get that match fitness, but I'll hopefully get on that plane to Australia in better physical shape than I started the summer."

Broad's convalescence may have been interrupted by Kevin Pietersen's allegations of his involvement in an "exclusive club" run by the bowlers in the England dressing room. On the day that Pietersen's caustic autobiography was pre-released to journalists, Broad set off for a holiday in Mauritius, tweeting: "Panama hat, passport, long haul. See you when I get back!"

Pietersen's unhappiness was vented at numerous former team-mates, with Broad referred to as "not... the sharpest tool in the box". He also made claims of a bullying culture being allowed to flourish, in which players were abused and made to apologise for mistakes in the field. However, Broad rejected the idea and drew parallels with rugby and football to illustrate the competitive ethic he feels the England team instilled.

"The bullying word has not crossed my mind in eight or nine years of playing international cricket," Broad told the BBC. "It sounds like Kevin didn't enjoy his time in the England side, which is disappointing to hear.

"You would expect guys to be excited and passionate about playing for their country. I look at my heroes growing up, the likes of [former England rugby captain] Martin Johnson. Look at [former Manchester United goalkeeper] Peter Schmeichel, when he conceded a goal he certainly gave Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister an earful. I don't know if that would be classed as bullying, or just the passion of being disappointed."

Broad could find himself training alongside another former England team-mate in South Africa - one with a more realistic chance of returning to international level. Jonathan Trott has been selected for the Lions' two unofficial Tests against South Africa A in January, almost a year after his departure from England's Ashes tour with a stress-related condition, and he has said he will be using the facilities in Potchefstroom as part of his preparation. Broad was positive about his chances of an England recall.

"We all know the quality he brings as a cricketer," Broad said. "I think if I could choose anyone to bat for my life it would be Jonathan Trott. It was really sad to see what happened to him in Australia but credit has to go to him, his family and the people around him to get him back up to playing cricket and scoring runs.

"It will be a test for him in South Africa but he's a proven quality in international cricket and will be desperate to play for England again."