Hoggard backs Strauss to hit form

Matthew Hoggard says England were right to keep faith with out-of-form opener Andrew Strauss for the final Test against West Indies at the Riverside.

Geoff Boycott said the Middlesex batman should have been dropped for the match, which starts in Durham on Friday.

But Hoggard told BBC Five Live: "He's a quality player. It isn't just about runs, it's also about his personality and knowledge. He's another captain.

"He's on a bit of bad run at the moment but it only takes one knock."

Hoggard is due to return to England's side on Friday providing he proves his fitness in Yorkshire's Friends Provident Trophy match on Wednesday.

The Yorkshire seamer missed the last two Tests because of a groin strain but is confident of joining forces with Steve Harmison in England's line-up.

Hoggard's return has seen the selectors drop Liam Plunkett after an erratic display in the third Test series-clinching win at Old Trafford.