England board call Plunkett as injury cover

First it was Australia, now the injury virus has spread to the England camp. English players are falling like nine pins, thanks to injuries. And the board is taking no chances, as it called Durham paceman Liam Plunkett on Tuesday ahead of the first two One-day internationals against South Africa.

As many as five players — Stuart Broad (shoulder), Paul Collingwood (back), James Anderson (knee), Alastair Cook (back) and Graeme Swann (side) — are carrying injuries and had to miss out Tuesday's warm-up match against South Africa A in Potchefstroom.

“Liam is over here any way and will join us on Wednesday night as cover for the first two ODIs (on Friday and Sunday),” said James Avery, media manager of England team. 

"By Monday we are hopeful a couple of the bowlers will have regained full fitness and then Liam won't have to travel with us to Cape Town for the third game. But if those players don't come through then in that case Liam can stay with us."

The medium-pacer Plunkett has already arrived and training with the squad. However, he is already a part of the England squad for the four Tests, which follow the ODI series.

According to Avery, Stuart Broad looks doubtful for the first two ODIs on Friday and Sunday.