Hoggard out of second Test

17 May 2008

Matthew Hoggard has fractured his right thumb playing for Yorkshire

Matthew Hoggard has been ruled out of England’s squad for the second npower Test at Old Trafford after an x-ray revealed he had sustained a fracture to his right thumb while playing for Yorkshire against Durham in the LV County Championship.

Hoggard was struck on the thumb by a Stephen Harmison delivery during Yorkshire’s second innings at Chester-le-Street and will see a specialist next week to determine the full extent of the injury and the likely rehabilitation period.

An announcement about which player will replace him in the Test squad for Old Trafford will be made after the end of this first npower Test match.

Hoggard said: “It’s a major disappointment to me to get injured at this stage of the season especially as I feel that I have been bowling well for Yorkshire in county cricket.

“I am really determined to try and win back my place with England so I am hoping that the injury is not too serious and that I can get back on the field with Yorkshire as soon as the fracture has mended.”