Canterbury:Matthew Hoggard gave England a fresh injury scare just days before the first Test against Pakistan after sustaining a freak hand injury here.

During the warm-up before play on the third day of the first-class match between England A and Pakistan, Hoggard had his hand trodden on by fellow Yorkshire pace bowler Tim Bresnan.

He had to have two stitches inserted in his right, bowling hand and England selector Geoff Miller later told reporters that Hoggard would not be able to bowl during Saturday's third day and possibly not on Sunday either.

The first of a four-Test series against Pakistan starts at Lord's on Thursday where England will be without another senior pace bowler in Andrew Flintoff, missing because of an ankle injury, although they hope to have him back in time for the second Test at the all-rounder's Lancashire home ground later this month.

Meanwhile England have several long-term injuries to senior players with captain Michael Vaughan (knee), pace bowlers Simon Jones (knee) and James Anderson (back) as well as left-arm spinner Ashley Giles (hip) all unavailable.

England's first Test squad is due to be announced on Sunday.