Hoggard is coming back from a back injury

He was laid low by a back spasm on the eve of the first Test at Lord's, missing that match and Trent Bridge.

Hoggard is, however, due to play in Yorkshire's Championship match against Lancashire next Thursday, which runs concurrently with the Test at The Oval.

Though he is still suffering some stiffness in his back, he could also play for his club Baildon on Saturday.

Yorkshire physio Scott McAllister, speaking to the Yorkshire Post, said: "Matthew has bowled short spells outdoors at Headingley during the last two days, but is not yet operating at maximum tilt.

"We allowed him one over yesterday off his long run-up, but Matthew has mostly been coming in off a short run and will only step things up over the next few days.

CRICKET on 606 England cricket: Have your say on the squad

"He's coming along well, and there's still another week for him to prove his fitness ahead of the Roses game.

"But if Matthew is not quite ready for that match and needs a bit more time, he will get that time. There is no question whatsoever of him being rushed back too soon."

Hoggard, for years the only regularly fit member of England's fast-bowling unit, was also sidelined with injury for most of the series against West Indies earlier in the summer.

England are expected to name an unchanged side, despite a long tail-end, for The Oval for the third match in succession.

Seamers James Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom and Chris Tremlett have all impressed, although India have taken a 1-0 series lead with their victory at Trent Bridge.

England have to win at The Oval to avoid recording their first home Test series defeat since the 2001 Ashes.

After a summer he would rather forget, following an equally miserable winter in Australia, Hoggard must now wait for the December series in Sri Lanka for his next international engagement.