Irani Release Could Open Door for Cork

Essex all-rounder Ronnie Irani was today released from England's squad for the Test series decider with India at the Oval.

Irani only made his return to competitive action on Sunday following an operation on his right knee and claimed yesterday he was fit enough to withstand the Test.

But after looking at the wicket England have decided to allow Irani to return to Essex for their Frizzell County Championship match against Middlesex at Chelmsford.

Irani's release increases the chances of Derbyshire captain Dominic Cork making the starting line-up having been doubtful himself after sustaining an injury to his little finger in the warm-up to the previous Test at Headingley.

Meanwhile, Michael Vaughan today emerged as another England injury doubt for the ICC Champions Trophy later this month.

The in-form Yorkshire batsman has an injury to his right knee which is not expected to keep him out of tomorrow's test, but may require surgery afterwards.

That would put his place in the one-day squad for Sri Lanka in jeopardy - increasing England's injury list following the withdrawal of Andrew Flintoff because of a hernia operation as well as the likely absence of Craig White and the ongoing worries over the fitness of Paul Collingwood and Nick Knight.

Test match opener Vaughan, who has been in outstanding form with three England centuries this summer, has become a crucial middle-order component in the one-day side - particularly following the retirement of Graham Thorpe.

But he said of his knee problem: "It is a wear-and-tear injury that needs cleaning out.

"I will be speaking to the England management to see what the right course of action is."