LONDON (Reuters)
Pace bowler Alex Tudor has been ruled out of the fifth and final Ashes Test on the eve of the match. Tudor, recalled this season after suffering a string of injuries over the past two years, bowled just four overs in the second innings of the fourth Test because of a problem with his hip. England captain Nasser Hussain told a press conference: "Alex has to sort it out, it's as simple as that. We have physiotherapists and sociologists and mind people and they can work it out between them. Tudor is a fine prospect, we just have to get his body right. It's not easy for a young lad."

The 23-year-old Tudor, brought back this season after a string of injuries over the last few years, performed well on his recall by taking five for 44 in the first innings of the third Test, but bowled just four overs in the second innings of the fourth because of a problem with his hip.

Tudor has played just five Tests since his debut in 1998. His omission reduced the England squad to 13, with the team due to be announced on the morning of the game.

Hussain said he expected to go into the Oval Test with only one spinner. "That's my gut feeling," he said. "The wicket looks like a good Oval Test wicket, it's pretty dry."

Offspinner Robert Croft and left-armer Phil Tufnell - recalled to the squad after 18 months - will vie for that place, while Richard Johnson and Jimmy Ormond, both uncapped, are the contenders for third seamer's spot.

England squad: Michael Atherton, Marcus Trescothick, Mark Butcher, Nasser Hussain (captain), Mark Ramprakash, Usman Afzaal, Alec Stewart, Robert Croft, Darren Gough, Andy Caddick, Phil Tufnell, Jimmy Ormond, Richard Johnson.

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