Broad, Katich ruled out of series

Australian opener Simon Katich and England bowler Stuart Broad have both been ruled out of the remainder of the series.

Australian opener Simon Katich and England bowler Stuart Broad have both been ruled out of the remainder of the series.

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Broad tore an abdominal muscle on Monday and his departure for home was confirmed Tuesday, hours before England completed an emphatic innings and 71-run victory at Adelaide.

“He’s distraught, and I think we’re all distraught that he’s going to be leaving us because he’s a big part of our side,” England captain Andrew Strauss said.

Katich is out with an Achilles tendon injury. The batsman aggravated the injury during Australia’s 11-hour fielding stint in England’s first innings.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting said Katich's injury was a “big loss”.

Punters speculate on Warne return
Australia's humiliating innings defeat to England in the second Ashes test has led to British bookmakers offering odds that Aussie spin great Shane Warne will end his four-year retirement from the international game before the series ends.

William Hill bookmaker is offering odds of 6-1 that Warne steps down from television commentary to play some part in the remaining three matches.

That’s only slightly longer odds than the 5-1 offered on Australia recovering from 1-0 down to regain the Ashes. The biggest wager so far on Warne’s return is 100 pounds ($158).

Xavier Doherty took 1-158 in Adelaide and looks likely to join the list of rejected spinners since Warne’s retirement.