 Hoggard was England top wicket-taker in the winter Ashes series |
England seam bowler Matthew Hoggard seems certain to miss the third Test against West Indies after being forced to postpone his comeback from injury. Hoggard has been out of action since suffering a groin problem during the opening game of the series at Lord's
He was hoping to play for club side Baildon on Saturday and turn out for Yorkshire against Durham in the Friends Provident Trophy the following day.
But he felt discomfort during a net session and is unlikely to be risked.
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"It's extremely disappointing for Matthew, but it's one of those type of injuries that if you rush back before you're ready it can turn into a serious problem," said chairman of selectors David Graveney.
"Caution is a by-word for us and hopefully the extra time will help him recover and be back playing cricket sooner rather than later."
It means Ryan Sidebottom is certain to keep his place in the England squad for next week's game at Old Trafford, having taken eight wickets in the second Test win at Headingley.
Hoggard will now have two possible matches to prove his fitness for the final Test of the series at the Riverside - Yorkshire's Championship game against Kent, which starts next Wednesday, and the FP Trophy fixture against Northants on 13 June.
Unlike England colleagues Andrew Flintoff and Simon Jones, he has been fairly lucky with injuries for most of his international career.
But he missed the final match of the winter Ashes series because of a side strain and had to leave the field at Lord's after bowling only 10.1 overs.
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Hit the seam with Matthew Hoggard
