England call on Cork for the NatWest Series

England today announced that Dominic Cork had been drafted into their NatWest Series squad following James Kirtley's withdrawal with a fractured right hand last weekend.

The Derbyshire swing bowler will join up with the squad for practice at Lord's on Thursday and will not be available to Derbyshire for their Frizzell County Championship fixture against Durham at Darlington starting today.

Chairman of Selectors, David Graveney, said: "If the weather remains unsettled for the NatWest Series Final and England wish to field a seam-based attack, we will require cover in this area as a result of the injury to James Kirtley.

"Dominic continues to be in fine form for his county and if he is called upon to play on Saturday, his 'big match' experience at international level will serve him in good stead."

Dominic Cork said: "I am delighted the selectors have recognised that I have a role to play as a one-day player and it will be tremendous to be involved with the squad in the run-up to a Lord's final.

"Lord's has been a happy ground for me in the past and I feel that I have been bowling and batting well this summer. If I do make the final eleven this Saturday, it will be a good opportunity for me to show what I can do - especially as there is a World Cup coming up this winter."