England duo James Anderson, pictured on April 7, and Stuart Broad had an awkward day for different reasons when they returned to county action in Wednesday's County Championship clash between Lancashire and Nottinghamshire at Old Trafford.
©AFP/File - Lakruwan Wanniarachchi

LONDON (AFP) - England duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad had an awkward day for different reasons when they returned to county action in Wednesday's County Championship clash between Lancashire and Nottinghamshire at Old Trafford.

Seam bowler Anderson gave England a scare ahead of their three-Test series against the West Indies, which starts at Lord's in a fortnight, when he was sent to hospital for X-rays after suffering a couple of blows to his right thumb while in the field.

However, the spearhead of England's attack returned to bowl in the afternoon session for the reigning county champions, although he later left the field for ice treatment on his thumb.

Meanwhile, Broad -- who often makes no secret of his feelings when things do not go his way -- could find himself in disciplinary trouble after contesting an umpire's decision.

In his first match since returning home early from England's tour of Sri Lanka with a calf problem, Broad fell for a golden duck when caught at short leg by Steven Croft off Simon Kerrigan.

Broad complained to both the fielder and the umpires before walking back to the pavilion.

Nottinghamshire were bowled out for just 169 on Wednesday's first day of four, becoming the latest side to make a low score following the earliest start yet to an English season that, coupled with rain, has left many groundsmen complaining they have not had enough time for pitch preparation.