CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (Reuters)
England captain Nasser Hussain has suffered an injury scare while allrounder Ben Hollioake has been ruled out of tomorrow's first one-day international against New Zealand.

Hussain was struck on his knee while batting in the nets and took time out to have it assessed before resuming his practice session for Wednesday's match.

"He carried on batting and then took a full part in the fielding practice," England's media manager Andy Walpole said. "He is fine and he will definitely be playing tomorrow."

But Walpole added that Hollioake was still troubled by a sore left knee and will sit out the one-dayer. Hollioake, who picked up the ailment during the recent tour of India, has had tests to rule out a cartilage defect.

Meanwhile, the England team were dressed up in their full bib and tucker for the formal opening of the series. The England and New Zealand sides received the powhiri, a Maori challenge and welcome, from a group of 20 warriors and wahine at a special function.

Hussain accepted the challenge, by picking up a branch from a native tree placed at his feet by the spear-wielding head warrior.

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