Moores rules out hurried Hoggard return

Moores adopts a cautious approach to Hoggard's return from injury © Getty Images

England coach Peter Moores insists there will be no hurried return to international cricket for Matthew Hoggard to prevent him from joining England's list of long-term injury victims. A back spasm during the build-up to the first Test in India's tour of England ruled Hoggard out of that match, and the next Test as well.

"We need to get him back fully fit and get that back sorted because if it goes again it could be a long job," Moores told Sky Sports. "He's not ready yet. He came down to Loughborough and was assessed and managed to bowl a bit but his back is a bit stiff.

"We might get him to bowl at Trent Bridge so the medics can keep an eye on him and build up his work-rate. What has been quite difficult for Matthew is the weather we've had ... he's not had much chance to bowl full stop."

Moores was speaking two days day after rain saved India's blushes in the first Test, and said he expected India to put in better performances in the remainder of the series as they would have acclimatised.

"I think they look a good team," he said. "Their bowlers will have settled a bit as well because I think they found the slope at Lord's quite challenging at first."