England bowling crisis worsens with Hoggard injury

LONDON, July 18 (Reuters) England suffered a fresh bowling crisis today when Matthew Hoggard was rated ''extremely doubtful'' to play the first test against India starting at Lord's tomorrow after hurting his back in training.

Right-arm medium pace bowler Hoggard sustained the injury on Tuesday and an England and Wales Cricket Board media release said he was going to have scans today afternoon.

England are already without experienced pace bowlers Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison because of injury.

Hoggard had been expected to lead a raw bowling attack, with Chris Tremlett and Stuart Broad, yet to make their debuts, in the 13-man squad.

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