England's paceman Alex Tudor, rated uncertain for the Third Test yesterday with a side strain, has been passed fit after a work-out this morning, only hours before the Trent Bridge Test, which England must win to have any chance of reclaiming the Ashes from Australia.

With Chris Silverwood pulling out yesterday with a back injury, England had called in Somerset bowler Richard Johnson as eleventh-hour cover for the bowling attack. However, with Tudor now fit to play, it is probable that he will miss out on a Test debut.

After all England's injury difficulties leading up to each of the Ashes Tests this summer, the news on Tudor will come as welcome respite to a side missing several key players. Tudor has already tasted success against Australia's much-vaunted middle order, taking four wickets on his debut at Perth in 1998.

If England are to retain an interest in this series, similar heroics will be needed from Tudor as the home side attempt to topple the mighty world champions.

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