DHAKA, (Reuters) – England have asked cricket’s governing body for special permission to play Chris Tremlett in today’s warm-up match against Canada because many of their bowlers are injured or ill in the lead-up to the World Cup.
Graeme Swann, Tim Bresnan, Ajmal Shahzad, Paul Collingwood, Stuart Broad and Tremlett all picked up injuries during the Ashes and the subsequent ODI series in Australia.
As a result England now want clearance for Tremlett, who is back to full fitness, to play on Wednesday even though the fast bowler is not part of their 15-man World Cup squad. “We had brought him (Tremlett) as a cover for our bowlers. We have asked the ICC (International Cricket Council) for a dispensation to play him tomorrow (Wednesday) if need be,” an England team spokesperson said.
“We came into this tournament with Bresnan and Shahzad recovering from injuries.
“We just want to ensure that if we need someone to step in for either of those two guys for tomorrow then we have cover enough in the form of Tremlett.”
Broad, suffering from an upset stomach, has not recovered completely and was still doubtful for today’s warm-up match.
“Broad did bowl at practice today but he is still feeling quite tired,” the spokesperson said.
“He looks to have recovered now and no longer is suffering from any disorders.
“But we are giving him till tomorrow morning to see how he pulls out.”
England will take on Pakistan in their last warm-up game on Friday, before they play their first World Cup match against Netherlands next Tuesday.
