Sidebottom struggling to be fit for England

RYAN Sidebottom looks set to lose his battle against an Achilles tendon problem in time for the start of England's one-day series against India.

The Notts left-arm seamer has struggled with a variety of injuries over the last few months, but appeared to be on the way back when he was included in the squad for the Stanford Series and the Indian tour.

But after side injuries kept him out of all five one-dayers against South Africa at the end of the summer, Sidebottom suffered a recurrence of his Achilles trouble in the first over of his comeback against Middlesex in Antigua.

He has been battling to be fit ever since. But despite making progress, he was overlooked for England's opening warm-up match against a Mumbai Cricket Association yesterday, a game in which the two sides fielded 12 players each as England cruised to a comfortable 122-run victory.

Andrew Flintoff scored a century as the tourists made 297-4 and the hosts replied with 175-8.

Sidebottom said: "I bowled a little bit yesterday and I've been working on a few technical things.

"At the minute I feel really good, but the medical staff don't want to risk me and suffer a setback which could knock me back a couple of weeks.

"I don't think I'll be available for a couple of matches and I could miss the first one-dayer – but I hope I'll be available for selection after that."

After a stunning return to international cricket last year – he claimed a staggering 76 wickets in just 17 Tests before his injuries struck – Sidebottom has suddenly had to become used to watching from the sidelines.

In his absence, England won the final Test at the Oval against South Africa and then humbled the highly-rated tourists 4-0 in the one-day series, with Steve Harmison and Flintoff both making impressive returns to the side.

It leaves Sidebottom with a fight on his hands to reclaim his place even when he regains his fitness.

England start their tour with a seven-match one-day series beginning in Rajkot on Friday.

Sidebottom said: "I've had a bad time with injuries. But there's nothing you can do about it – you've just got to get on with it.

"I've been consistent and I've really enjoyed my time with England.

"I want to carry on playing international cricket. I'm part of the squad and I've got to fight for my place again.

"Steve and 'Fred' (Flintoff) have come back into the team and are both bowling well. But I'm just happy to be part of this bowling unit and hope I can push for a place."