England's Ballance fractures finger, but fit for World Cup

England's Ballance fractures finger, but fit for World Cup

SYDNEY - England batsman Gary Ballance has fractured the little finger on his right hand but will be fit for the World Cup, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Saturday.

England's Gary Ballance pictured during the fourth one-day international (ODI) between England and India at Edgbaston in Birmingham, central England, on September 2, 2014

The 25-year-old left-hander, recalled to England's one-day squad after former captain Alastair Cook was dropped, sustained the injury during fielding practice in Canberra last week.

He will remain with the team for the ongoing Tri-series against Australia and India and no extra players will be called up.

"Gary Ballance has a fractured right little finger, sustained during fielding practice in Canberra," the ECB said in a statement.

"Ballance will be available for the ICC Cricket World Cup and therefore we will not be calling another player into the squad."

Ballance has yet to play since England arrived in Australia and sat out his side's three-wicket loss to the hosts in the opening match of the triangular series in Sydney on Friday.

England's next match is against India on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the ECB has revealed that former England captain Andrew Flintoff will attend the team's practice session at The Gabba on Sunday.

Flintoff, 37, retired from cricket after England's 2009 Ashes triumph, but made a Twenty20 comeback last year and is currently competing in Australia's Big Bash with Brisbane Heat.

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