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Today's paper. Last Updated: 06/01/2012

Malcolm Back for Second Test Against Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Pace bowler Devon Malcolm has vowed to lift injury-hit England as it prepares for the second Ashes Test against Australia, which starts Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.


The powerful Derbyshire player missed Australia's 184-run first Test victory in Brisbane with chicken pox but now is back to full fitness.


"I feel fit and strong and I want to play my part after missing the first Test," said Malcolm. "I was brought in at The Oval last summer to strike against South Africa -- and I managed to do that by taking nine wickets in the second innings."


Malcolm's contribution is likely to be crucial with allrounder Craig White to miss the second and third Tests with a rib muscle injury.


White, 24, who has been troubled by the injury for nine days, failed to complete a nets session on Thursday because he was in too much pain.


The Yorkshire player hopes to make a comeback in time to play in the second block of World Series limited-overs matches that begins on Jan. 7.


England will settle on its lineup for the second Test on Friday night, but is not expected to make an announcement until just before the toss on Saturday morning.


Along with White, seamer Joey Benjamin is out of contention as he still is recovering from a bout of chicken pox. Fast bowler Darren Gough is expected to play despite still struggling to recover from a hamstring injury.


Mike Gatting is set to retain the number six spot ahead of John Crawley and the major decision for the English team management will be the choice of opening batsmen.


Captain Mike Atherton is certain to face the new ball, possibly alongside former skipper Graham Gooch.




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