Sidebottom out of NatWest Series

Seamer Ryan Sidebottom will continue his rehabilitation programme with England

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Ryan Sidebottom has lost his ongoing battle with groin and hip problems and has been ruled out of the remainder of the NatWest Series against South Africa.

The Nottinghamshire left-arm seamer has been struggling with the injuries for some time and was rested for the final npower Test at the Brit Oval to try to get him fit for the five-match one-day series.

But Sidebottom was not deemed fit enough to featuring in Friday’s 20-run triumph over the tourists at Headingley Carnegie and, after being given another fitness test at Trent Bridge today, he was ruled out of the remainder of the series.

England had already called up Yorkshire all-rounder Tim Bresnan as cover for injuries to Sidebottom and Chris Tremlett, who is suffering with a heel problem, while captain Kevin Pietersen persuaded Steve Harmison to come out of retirement to feature at Headingley.

Both players will now stay with England’s squad for the remainder of the series, which continues with a day-night international at Trent Bridge tomorrow.