Just days after occupying the top spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings for all-rounders, Ravichandran Ashwin is set to become a proud recipient of the Arjuna award.
Ashwin and shooter Heena Sidhu were among those named as Arjuna Award winners for this year. They will be conferred with their awards on India's Independence Day - August 15.

Ashwin will become the 47th Indian cricketer, which includes 8 women, to be given the prestigious award.

The Arjuna award, which is given by the Indian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is in recognition of outstanding achievement in sports.

Saleem Durani (1961) was the first cricketer to be conferred with the Arjuna award while Virat Kohli was given the award last year.

England seamer, Stuart Broad, was struck on the nose by a bouncer from Indian quick, Varun Aaron, at Old Trafford and was forced to retire hurt. It led to speculations that he may have to play with a protective mask in the final Test at The Oval.

However, reports now suggest that the wound is healing quickly and he may not have to wear the protective mask for the final Test of the series.

According to a report that came up in the Mirror, the swelling on Broad's face was going down and that he might be able to play without the mask.

"It was feared he would need extra protection, but the swelling around his battered nose is reducing after he was a hit by a bouncer from Varun Aaron."

It was also reported that the helmet manufacturer, Masuri is ready to offer him with a helmet that promises to prevent such injuries in the future. At present, the England star uses Ayrtek helmet. However, it failed to prevent the injury.

The MD of 'Masuri' helmet manufacturer, Sam Miller said: "Masuri does not sponsor specific players. We believe that when it comes to something as important as head protection, players should be free to choose the best helmet."