England to make last-minute decision on Hoggard

LONDON, July 12 (Reuters) England plan to wait until the last minute before deciding if Matthew Hoggard is fit to play in the first test against Pakistan starting at Lord's tomorrow.

Swing bowler Hoggard required six stitches in his right hand after a team mate stepped on it before the start of play in England A's match against Pakistan on Saturday.

He bowled at a gentle pace in the nets on Wednesday with strapping on his hand and did some light fielding drills.

Acting England captain Andrew Strauss told a news conference today that no decision had yet been made about Hoggard's fitness.

''We are giving him as long as possible to prove his fitness,'' Strauss said. ''He had a useful workout in the nets today.

''We have to see how he comes through tomorrow morning. It may be that tonight we can make a decision but it may not be.'' The Yorkshire bowler has made 32 consecutive appearances for his country since the 2003-4 tour of Sri Lanka. He underwent two 90 minutes sessions in an oxygen chamber on Monday to speed up the healing process.

If he does miss the match, England will field an attack in which only Steve Harmison has taken more than 15 test wickets.

Reuters DH RN1734