Injury problems for Wales ahead of England match

Wales have taken a further step towards being recognised as an international side in their own right. With just three days to go until their unofficial ODI against England at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, they have run into an injury crisis.

Wales won last year's inaugural fixture by a massive eight wickets, but this time around they will be without the man who carried them to victory. Glamorgan's captain Steve James, who top-scored with an undefeated 83, has been ruled out by a knee injury.

Tony Cottey has damaged his back and will miss out as well, while Andrew Davies broke a thumb during a Second XI Trophy match at Neath on Monday and he will be out for four to six weeks. Jonathan Hughes also sustained a hand injury but the extent of that is not known at present, though his participation is in doubt.

There is some good news for Wales. Steffan Jones had been released by Somerset and will be available to play, while the captaincy has been passed to that most passionate of Welshmen, Robert Croft, who took 2 for 36 and lamped a rapid 30 in last year's match. Mike Kasprowicz, Glamorgan's overseas player, follows in the footsteps of Jacques Kallis as an honourary Taff.

Wales squad Ian Thomas, Robert Croft (capt), Mike Powell, Matthew Maynard, David Hemp, Adrian Dale, Jonathan Hughes, Mark Wallace (wk), Michael Kasprowicz, Alex Wharf, David Harrison, Darren Thomas, Steffan Jones, Dean Cosker.