Bichel fractures finger on left hand

Australian physiotherapist, Errol Alcott has confirmed that fast bowler Andrew Bichel has suffered a slight fracture to the tip of his left index finger. The bone was chipped as he tried to stop a straight drive off his own bowling from England captain Nasser Hussain during the first day's play of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney.

Bichel received treatment from Alcott on the field, but it was not until he went for an X-ray at the close of play that the fracture was revealed. Alcott said: "The finger will be protected and splinted and it should not prevent Andy from taking further part in the Test match. We will then review his condition at the end of the game."

The right-arm bowler has been named in Australia's World Cup squad, but an injury of this type six weeks away from the tournament should not cause the Australian camp, or Bichel, too much concern.