Stuart Broad hurt after being struck by Mitchell Johnson delivery

England suffered a major blow on Sunday when ther leading wicket-taker was hit on the foot by a Mitchell Johnson yorker. He was later sent for scans.

Stuart Broad was sent for scans on Sunday after Mitchell Johnson's delivery struck his foot, also catching him leg before wicket. David Gray / Reuters

England paceman Stuart Broad was sent for scans on his right foot Sunday after being struck by a Mitchell Johnson yorker, in a major blow to the tourists’ dwindling Ashes hopes.

Trailing by 134 on the first innings as they battle to hang on to the Ashes, England returned to the field for the Australian second innings at Perth’s third Test without star paceman Broad after a Johnson thunderbolt that also trapped him lbw for five.

“Stuart Broad is off to hospital for an X-ray on his foot, which was injured by Mitchell Johnson’s yorker,” the English Cricket Board said on its website.

Johnson produced what used to be called a “sandshoe crusher”, a fast swinging yorker that struck Broad on the foot right in front of middle stump as England’s tail collapsed again.

After the England innings was wrapped up, Broad limped down to the WACA nets and appeared to be put through a fitness test.

He was then bundled into a waiting car to be taken for scans on the foot, leaving England one bowler down.

Australia were 123 without loss at tea.

With 14 wickets, Broad is by far England’s leading wicket-taker in the series, with James Anderson next with seven scalps.

Broad is the villain of the piece in the eyes of Australian fans and gets roundly jeered every time he comes out to bat, after refusing to walk when he clearly edged a ball in the previous Ashes series in England.