Hoggard injury fears allayed

England’s pace bowler Matthew Hoggard, one of only three currently fit bowlers named in their squad for the winter’s Ashes tour, should be fit and ready for action by the time the tour starts. An MRI scan on his recent side strain has revealed no significant damage.

Hoggard has been pulled out of Yorkshire’s remaining matches of the season as a precaution, but England’s medical staff are confident that by the time England get on the plane to Australia in two months’ time, Hoggard will be match fit.

The Ashes series begins at Brisbane on November 23.