Steve Finn looks likely to miss England’s first Test in India after not bowling in practice today.

The Watford-born bowler is still recovering from a thigh strain sustained in the first warm-up match of the tour and now appears unlikely to play in Thursday’s match.

Captain Alastair Cook had warned that both Finn and Stuart Broad, who was able to bowl at full speed in practice after suffering a bruised heel, would not play unless they are fully fit because of “how hot it is and how flat the wickets are”.

If the Middlesex paceman is ruled out, England could turn to Stuart Meaker, who was called up as cover after Finn sustained his injury.