England have drafted uncapped Luke Wright into their cricket squad for the final two one-day internationals (ODIs) against India.
LONDON: England have drafted uncapped Luke Wright into their cricket squad for the final two one-day internationals (ODIs) against India.
The 22-year-old Sussex all-rounder will provide cover for the injured Andrew Flintoff and Ravi Bopara, who will have their fitness reassessed on Tuesday.
Flintoff has suffered new problems with his troublesome left ankle, while Bopara broke a thumb in Sunday's game at Leeds.
Seamer Chris Tremlett has been ruled out of Wednesday's sixth ODI at the Kennington Oval because of a foot injury. But fellow bowler Ryan Sidebottom has been cleared to rejoin the squad after proving his fitness at Loughborough Monday, following a side strain problem.
Flintoff missed Sunday's defeat at Headingley following fresh problems with his left ankle, but may still play at the Oval.
"The people I have spoken to so far are still pretty optimistic he may be OK Wednesday," said coach Peter Moores.
The last game of the seven-match series, which England lead 3-2, is at Lord's Saturday.
The squad then move straight to South Africa, where the Twenty20 World Championships start Sep 11.
Wright, who is also in England's Twenty20 squad, was the top scorer in the domestic 20-over competition this summer with 346 runs. He also offers a seam bowling option.
He played for England Lions against India last month, making 56 off of 40 balls in Northampton before the match was rained off.
Moores says England will have to reassess the fitness of Flintoff, Bopara and Sidebottom before they depart for South Africa on Sunday.
"You can't take anybody that is too injured because the tournament is so short," he said. "It lasts just 14 days and there is a quick turnaround in games.
"It depends where the player is at. If we are sure that it is a bit of a niggle and it will recover in a couple of days and we are confident then we will take them, but if it is a longer-term thing then they might have to be replaced."
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