August 21, 2007	Tuesday	Sha’aban 7, 1428

SOUTHAMPTON (England), Aug 20: England fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom has been ruled out of Tuesday’s first One-day International with India due to an ongoing side injury.

The Nottinghamshire left-arm quick did not join the England squad in Southampton on Sunday and will continue to receive treatment at the National Cricket Performance Centre.

The 29-year-old has undergone rehabilitation treatment there since suffering the injury during the drawn third Test with India at The Oval, which concluded on Aug 13. India won the series 1-0.

India’s batsmen had barely seven overs at the crease before their final warm-up match, against the England Lions, was washed out on Saturday, after the ‘A’ side had given the tourists’ attack something to think about in making 296.

In the absence of opener Marcus Trescothick, still unavailable because of a stress-related illness, England have yet to find a batsman who can make the most of the initial 10-over powerplay period.

England welcome back pace-bowling all-rounder Andrew Flintoff for his first taste of international action this season following a third operation on his troublesome left ankle.

But there is no guarantee that Flintoff, whose drink-fuelled pedalo escapade his World Cup, will be a miracle cure for England’s one-day ills.—AFP