Injuries force Johnson to turn to experience
England call up Leicester lock Ben Kay as cover for Tom Palmer
Also In The News
|
England have lost the one-day series to India after a 19-run defeat under the Duckworth-Lewis method in Bangalore. |  |
Monday, 24, Nov 2008 10:51
England team manager Martin Johnson has called up experienced Leicester Tigers lock Ben Kay as cover for injury troubled Wasps forward Tom Palmer.
Palmer is suffering from a tight right calf sustained during England's 42-6 defeat to South Africa at Twickenham and is receiving treatment on the injury at the team's base in Bagshot, Surrey.
Kay, 32, is a former team-mate of Johnson's, playing alongside the England boss in the second row of the World Cup-winning side of 2003.
His promotion from the Saxons squad hints at something of a climbdown from Johnson, who has favoured the selection of younger, fresher faces in his teams during the three autumn internationals so far.
England's other injury concerns from the weekend defeat to the reigning world champions include Wasps centre Riki Flutey, who was withdrawn during the first half after being troubled with a tight right hamstring.
And Sale prop Andrew Sheridan, who missed the match against the Springboks with a neck problem, is continuing to be treated.
A decision on the availability of all three players will be made overnight ahead of tomorrow's team announcement for the final autumn international against New Zealand on Saturday.