Injured hand rules Trott out

Coach Andy Flower’s absence in Nottingham is understood to be in no way connected to the ongoing Kevin Pietersen saga, or the batsman’s timetable of negotiations with his employers to determine whether there is any way back into the England fold.

Rather than conducting another face-to-face meeting with Pietersen – the England and Wales Cricket Board have yet to confirm an initial one, reportedly last Saturday, did take place – the coach is taking a much-needed short break with his family.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Trott has been ruled out of the match because of the injured hand he suffered against South Africa on Sunday. Jonny Bairstow is the obvious candidate to replace him, but the young Yorkshireman is likely to bat lower down the order, meaning the out-of-form Ravi Bopara may be pushed up to number three as one-day world number ones England seek to consolidate that status with a 3-1 series  victory.