Kent positive over Denly injury

Denly was down for 15 minutes after twisting his knee playing football

England's Joe Denly could be available for the third one-day international against Australia at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday, according to his county.

The 23-year-old opener sustained a knee injury while playing football during England training on Friday.

"He's had a run and a jog and a bit of a swim which is a positive sign," Kent coach Simon Willis told BBC Radio Kent.

"Hopefully he'll get an opportunity in the next one-dayer. If not, the one after that," Willis added.

"It might be too soon for the next one but hopefully definitely for the fourth one-day international he should be fit to play.

"Initially it was very worrying that there was more damage than has now materialised so that's pleasing."

A scan revealed Denly suffered a small sprain to his left knee after he caught his studs in the turf when he collided with Owais Shah during a warm-up session.

There has been some intense criticism of the England team for playing contact sports during practice sessions.

But having a kick-about is something that often happens in the Kent squad, according to Willis.

"The bottom line is you want guys to do things that they enjoy, rather than being mundane in the county season," he said.

"But I think you've got to have strict guidelines to playing football because there have been injuries and Joe's proven that.

"We stick to a solid routine of non-contact, three touch and if guys do start to having a little nibble then things have to stop. Our guys have been pretty good and it's down to the individuals playing to maintain those standards."