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Cricket

X-ray scan shows no fracture to Cook's injured hand

03/05/2008

Alastair Cook has been given a boost after scans showed he only dislocated his little finger rather than fractured it playing for Essex yesterday.

The England batsman was playing in a tour match against New Zealand and injured himself trying to take a catch at gully.

Fears were that he had fractured the finger which could have jeopardised his chances of playing in the first Test at Lord's on May 15th.

However, Essex physio Mark Thomas said: "The injury was successfully reduced and x-rays show no fracture. He is in no pain and will play a full part in the rest of the game."

Cook is likely to be in action early on day two of the match as New Zealand only had one wicket left at the close of play.

The tourists made 348-9, largely thanks to Justin Marshall who scored 128 before he became one of five wickets for Ryan ten Doeschate.

Black Caps opener Jamie How was lbw to Tony Palladino for just nine and although Aaron Redmond was able to hit a quick-fire 35 he was also dismissed early in the day.

Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum were making their first appearances of the Tour, following brief spells in the Indian Premier League, but both men struggled to adjust to the new conditions.

Taylor made 17 before Palladino dismissed him and ten Doeschate got the prized wicket of McCullum (4) five runs later.

Marshall and Daniel Flynn (39) put on a partnership of 128 but when Flynn was out to ten Doeschate the next four New Zealand wickets could only contribute 72 runs to the score.

Essex will hope to get the final wicket early on the second day to allow Cook and his team-mates the chance to chase New Zealand's total.