Sidebottom an injury concern for England at Lord's @ Monday July 14


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Ryan Sidebottom is an injury concern for England as they look for quick wickets in the first Test against South Africa at Lord's.

A stiff back hampered him on a frustrating day four for England as they took just one wicket.

"He's got a stiff back, nothing too serious, and he still did a great job," said bowling coach Ottis Gibson.

South Africa will resume on 242-1 on Monday, still 104 runs behind England, with Neil McKenzie 102 not out.

Gibson added: "We always knew it was going to be difficult bowling them out again but we stuck to our task quite well, we bowled 90 overs and they only got 230 or so.

"They are still 100 behind, the pitch will be a day older so hopefully Monty (Panesar) will come into it more."

Gibson was full of praise for his left-arm seamer Sidebottom, who managed to bowl 18 overs on day four despite his fitness concerns.

"He's not whinged about it, gone out on the field and bowled brilliantly without any luck," the former Durham bowler said. "If Michael Vaughan says 'Siddy, you're on,' he'll come in.

"We'd like to have had them six down, that would have been the perfect scenario, but that's why they call it Test cricket.

"You have to give credit to the South African batsmen, the way they played. It wasn't pretty if you were watching in the stands but it was effective." 

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