Hoggard out of third Test

Matthew Hoggard is all but out of the third and final Test against India with the English medical staff expected to play it safe with the fast bowler.

Hoggard is aiming to play in Yorkshire’s County Championship match against Lancashire which starts a day after the third Test on August 9.

Hoggard missed the first two Tests due to a back spasm, but with the good performances of James Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom and Chris Tremlett, it perhaps saved the England selectors from having to make a tough decision on who to leave out.

Yorkshire’s physiotherapist Scott McAllister told the Yorkshire Post. that “It’s important that we monitor him carefully for any adverse reaction because with this type of injury you have to be sensible. It’s early days in the process, but he’s coming along well, and there’s still another week for him to prove his fitness ahead of the Roses game. But if Matthew is not quite ready for that match and needs a bit more time, he will get that time. There is no question whatsoever of him being rushed back too soon.”