Hoggard facing surgery

Hoggard was England's senior seam bowler at Lord's

England bowler Matthew Hoggard is out of next week's second Test against Zimbabwe because of a knee injury.

A scan on his right knee has confirmed a torn cartilage and he has now been referred to a surgeon.

If an an immediate operation is deemed necessary, he is unlikely to play again for at least six weeks.

The 26-year-old, who took three wickets in an innings victory in the first Test at Lord's, suffered the injury during Yorkshire's C&G Trophy tie against Worcestershire.

He bowled only three deliveries before limping from the field.

The England squad for the second Test will be named on Saturday and the selectors could invite Hoggard's Yorkshire team-mate Darren Gough to lead the attack.

HAVE YOUR SAY

The selectors want Gough in the one-day side, so why shouldn't it be the same for the Test side?

Ben, Leeds

Gough is playing in the current Championship match against Durham, having been named in England's one-day squad for the summer on Thursday.

Alternative candidates would include James Kirtley, who was in the squad for Lord's, Richard Johnson and Martin Saggers.

All-rounder Anthony McGrath, meanwhile, looks certain to be named in the Test squad after a scan on a side strain did not reveal any serious damage.

He will be monitored by ECB medical staff next week, but Andrew Flintoff has ruled himself out of the match at Chester-le-Street.

Flintoff does not feel ready for the rigours of five-day cricket

He is still unable to bowl after being hit on the shoulder by a beamer during net practice for Lancashire.

"I won't play in the next Test and instead will stay with Lancashire for the next fortnight, then see how I feel," he commented.

Flintoff has, however, been named in England's summer one-day squad for games against Pakistan, South Africa and Zimbabwe.