Hussain suffers injury scare, Hollioake sidelined

England captain Nasser Hussain suffered an injury scare on Tuesday while all rounder Ben Hollioake was ruled out of the first one-day international against New Zealand.

Hussain was struck on his knee while batting in the nets and took time out to have it assessed before resuming his practice session for Wednesday's match.

"He carried on batting and then took a full part in the fielding practice," England's media manager Andy Walpole said.

"He is fine and he will definitely be playing tomorrow."

But Walpole added that Surrey's Hollioake was still troubled by a sore left knee and will sit out the one-dayer.

Hollioake, who picked up the ailment during the recent tour of India, has had tests to rule out a cartilage defect.

Meanwhile, the England team were dressed up in their full bib and tucker for the formal opening of the series.

The England and New Zealand sides received the powhiri, a Maori challenge and welcome, from a group of 20 warriors and wahine (women) at a special function.

Hussain accepted the challenge, by picking up a branch from a native tree placed at his feet by the spear-wielding head warrior.

Mail Cricket Editor