England check on Flintoff and Hoggard ahead of 1st npower Test

Yorkshire and England pace bowler Matthew Hoggard underwent an ultra-sound scan on an abdominal injury today ahead of the 1st npower Test against Zimbabwe at Lord's starting on Thursday.

The scan revealed strained abdominal muscles in his left side, but the injury is healing and his fitness will be re-assessed after England practice tomorrow. Hoggard batted during England's indoor practice this afternoon but did not bowl.

The ECB's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Peter Gregory, rates Andrew Flintoff as "very doubtful" for the 1st npower Test and the Lancashire all-rounder did not practice at Lord's today.

Tests carried out on Flintoff last Friday revealed bruising and swelling around the nerves within his right shoulder. The injury continues to affect his right bowling arm and hand.

Meanwhile, the Surrey batsman Mark Butcher twisted his right ankle during England's practice session today but the injury is not expected to keep him out of the Test Match.