England suffer double injury blow

England allrounder Andrew Flintoff's chances of playing in Thursday's first npower Test against Zimbabwe at Lord's have been described as "very doubtful" by the England & Wales Cricket Board's chief medical officer, Dr Peter Gregory.

Flintoff did not practise at Lord's today after tests carried out last Friday revealed bruising and swelling around the nerves in his right shoulder. The injury continues to affect his right bowling arm and hand.

There was more worrying news for England after Matthew Hoggard underwent an ultra-sound scan this morning which revealed strained abdominal muscles in his left side - but according to an England spokesman, the injury is healing and his fitness will be re-assessed after England training on Tuesday. Hoggard batted during England's indoor practice at Lord's on Monday afternoon but did not bowl.

James Kirtley looks likely to make his Test debut at Lord's if Hoggard is ruled out.

As if those two injuries weren't enough, Mark Butcher twisted his right ankle during the practice session, but it is not expected to keep him out of the match.