Broken hand threatens Kirtley's World Cup place

James Kirtley, the England one-day seam bowler who was cleared of throwing, yesterday broke his right hand while practising. The injury, which will take six weeks to heal, will keep him out of the rest of the NatWest Series and may cost him his place in the World Cup squad.

The blow, which came towards the end of England's net session at Old Trafford, was particularly cruel for the Sussex player. He had been forced to endure an uncertain few months after his bowling action was called into question on England's tour of Zimbabwe last autumn.

Remedial action appeared to have worked when an England and Wales Cricket Board panel said his action was legitimate. Kirtley was subsequently chosen for the squad for the summer triangular one-day tournament and played in England's opening four matches.

With just two wickets at 70.33 each while conceding nearly six runs an over he had not enjoyed the success he had in Zimbabwe. There he went for only four an over and looked much more the part.

Kirtley can now only hope he has already done enough to impress the selectors that he should be part of their World Cup plans. He now has no opportunity to restate his case.

He was fielding off his own bowling when a drive from Jeremy Snape struck him hard on his bowling hand. Perversely, the injury may save England a selection dilemma. Although Kirtley had been officially cleared, doubts persisted about the purity of his action.

At least he can dwell on one outstanding moment in this series. Last weekend at Lord's he took one of the most spectacular catches to have graced the old ground when he dived full length at long on to hold on to Sourav Ganguly's rapidly dipping drive.