Hoggard to miss final two Yorkshire matches

LONDON, Sep 15 (Reuters) England swing bowler Matthew Hoggard will miss Yorkshire's final two matches of the season after sustaining a minor abdominal strain.

A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board today said a scan on Thursday had shown no significant damage and Hoggard would be rested as a precautionary measure only.

''The injury is not viewed by the Yorkshire and England medical staff as a serious concern ahead of England's Ashes test series,'' the statement said.

Five of England's six pace bowlers selected for the Ashes series starting in Brisbane on November 23 are nursing injuries, including captain Andrew Flintoff.

REUTERS DH VC2145