Cook has suspected dislocated finger X-rayed

7:59pm Friday 2nd May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

ENGLAND opener Alastair Cook today suffered a suspected dislocation of his right little finger but is expected to be fit to bat for Essex in their ongoing match against New Zealand.

Cook suffered the injury as he dropped a catch at gully, offered by Kiwi captain Daniel Vettori off the bowling of Ryan ten Doeschate on day one of four at Chelmsford.

He immediately ran from the field, clearly concerned about the blow so close to the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.

But Essex quickly allayed any fears of his availability for that match, which starts on May 15.

A spokesman said: "We hope he will be fine to play tomorrow but will see how it develops overnight."

It was later confirmed Cook had gone to hospital for a precautionary X-ray.

The tourists finished the first day on 348-9 after Essex won the toss and put New Zealand in to bat.

James Marshall was the mainstay of the Blackcaps' innings, hitting 128 from 183 balls before he was caught by Mervyn Chambers off Ryan ten Doeschate's bowling.

Ten Doeschate led the Essex attack at the Ford County Ground by claiming five of the wickets to fall at a cost of 57 runs. His 17-over spell included three maidens.

The Kiwis will resume tomorrow morning with Michael Mason (23) and Iain O'Brien (31) at the crease.