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Cricket

Sidebottom passed fit for first Test in New Zealand

03/03/2008

Fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom has been passed fit to face New Zealand in the first Test of the upcoming three-match series on Wednesday.

The Nottinghamshire seamer had been a doubt after missing practice and last week's three-day warm-up match against a Kiwi Select XI in Dunedin with a hamstring strain.

However, he has trained as normal for the past few days, the England medical team confirmed, and will be available for selection ahead of the series opener at Seddon Park.

"I'm fighting fit and available for selection," Sidebottom said.

"It's a bit of a relief because it's a worry when you get injured. You don't want to miss Test matches and you don't want to miss tours.

"I'm not getting on the plane home so I'm happy with that and I'm raring to go now.

"You don't want to make it worse and you need time for these things to recover, but I've had two or three days rest and recovery and preparation."

All-rounder Paul Collingwood, who is one of England's in-form batsmen after the one-day series which the tourists lost 3-1, has also staged a full recovery after fears he could miss the first Test because of a tight hamstring.

England's starting XI will be named shortly before the first Test begins at 10:30 local time on Wednesday morning (21:30 GMT, Tuesday).