You are in > manchester.com  > News > England bowlers struggling ahead of second Test

Cricket

England bowlers struggling ahead of second Test

17/07/2008

James Anderson and Ryan Sidebottom are both struggling for fitness ahead of England's second Test against South Africa at Headingley.

Both have reported suffering from back stiffness on Thursday, prompting Darren Pattinson of Nottinghamshire and Hampshire's Chris Tremlett to be called up to the squad as cover.

England's failure to take wickets during South Africa's second innings at Lord's, which ultimately cost the hosts a victory in the opening Test of the series, has led to several pundits calling for a change in the bowling attack.

And the ongoing injury problems of both Anderson and Sidebottom, who between them accounted for more than 100 overs in the final three days of the first Test, could mean all-rounder Andrew Flintoff coming in as part of either a four- or five-man attack.

Captain Michael Vaughan hailed Sidebottom's contribution to the team recently, saying he has been "a revelation" during his meteoric rise to the peak of England's bowling rankings over the past 12 months.

But he admitted the seamer's fitness would be "key" to the team he selects on Friday.

"He will hopefully come through and be ready to be in the XI in the morning," the skipper revealed.

"But he bowled a lot of overs in the first Test and it will be his decision."