England have been handed a major boost ahead of the first Test against New Zealand with the news that Ryan Sidebottom has been passed fit.

The Nottinghamshire left-arm seamer had been doubtful after a tear to his right hamstring, but has recovered quickly.

It means England can pick from a squad at full strength with skipper Paul Collingwood also shaking off some hamstring trouble of his own.

"I'm fighting fit and available for selection," said Sidebottom.

"It's a bit of relief because it's a worry when you get injured. You don't want to miss Test matches and you don't want to miss tours.

"I'm raring to go now.

"You don't want to make it worse and you need time for these things to recover, but I've had two or three days rest and recovery and preparation."

Sidebottom's recovery has set the stage for his showdown with former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who has already announced this series will be his last.

Fleming was a key influence on Sidebottom when the pair were together at Nottinghamshire as they led the county to Championship glory in 2005, and has spoken since spoken about the 30-year-old in glowing terms.

"He's had some lovely words to say about me," added Sidebottom.

"He's a lovely bloke and for someone like him to say those things about me is quite an honour, but I'm looking forward to bowling at him and hopefully I can knock him over.

"He's a very positive captain and he's made me into a much more positive character when I'm bowling, and encourages me to keep plugging away and not give up."

England actually turned to Fleming for a recommendation about Sidebottom when searching for a replacement for the injured Matthew Hoggard prior to the second Test against West Indies at Headingley in the summer of 2007.

He has emerged with 29 wickets in 10 Tests, at an average of 19.00, and has also become England's premier bowler in one-day internationals.