Hoggard Doubtful for Lord’s

England’s injury problems have been compounded by news that Matthew Hoggard is a severe doubt for next week’s first Test against Pakistan following an accident that resulted in the swing bowler receiving six stitches in his bowling hand. Hoggard was due to participate in the third day of the Pakistan versus England A tour match before Tim Bresnan, his Yorkshire team-mate trod on his hand whilst the pair were warming up.

Hoggard was rushed to hospital immediately and although he returned to the ground during the morning session, will play no further part in the match. His cuts are said to be superficial with the majority of the damage confined to the skin, but a sense of numbness in the injured area could prevent him from extending his run of 32 consecutive Tests in England’s injury-prone side.

The pace bowling department is already severely depleted, with captain Andrew Flintoff out for the first Test, and both James Anderson and Simon Jones sidelined with long-term injuries. The selectors will tomorrow name the squad for the opening Test against the Pakistanis, starting next Thursday, with James Dalrymple, the off-spinning all-rounder, touted for a berth following a successful NatWest Series last month.