Martin may play despite fractured finger

Cricket

England are still hoping to play Peter Martin in their penultimate warm- up match in East London before the first Test against South Africa. The Lancashire seamer became the first injury victim of the tour when he dislocated and fractured his right ring finger during last week's day-night victory over Eastern Transvaal.

Martin was selected for the four-day match against Border, starting on Thursday, and Ray Illingworth is still keen for him to play if possible. "Peter can bowl without any problem," he said. "It is a question of whether we can hide him in the field."

There is only one more game after this week's match before the Test series gets under way in Pretoria.

If Martin cannot play against Border, who lost by innings to Natal yesterday, then it is possible that Devon Malcolm may take his place.