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Cricket

Sidebottom to miss England's final warm-up in New Zealand

26/02/2008

Fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom has been ruled out of England's final warm-up match ahead of the New Zealand Test series next month.

The Nottinghamshire paceman has a hamstring strain and will be rested for the three-day match against a Selection XI.

Sidebottom, who was in the squad but did not bowl during the two-day warm-up in Dunedin this week, was expected to play a major part in the opening Test against the Black Caps at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

And while he is now a major doubt for that match, which begins on March 4th, England captain Michael Vaughan has refused to rule him out after claiming his absence from the upcoming fixture is "a precaution".

"Ryan has got a slight problem so there has to be some concern, and he'll miss the three-day game," said Vaughan.

"Hopefully over the next few days he'll heal fast and he'll be able to start bowling towards the end of the three-day game or when we arrive in Hamilton."

If Sidebottom is unable to play in the first Test, James Anderson, Chris Tremlett or Steve Harmison will be the likely replacements to lead the seam attack alongside Matthew Hoggard.

And all three will get the chance to impress the selectors in the warm-up game in a bid to earn a spot in the Test XI next week.