White given extra time to prove fitness

England all-rounder Craig White is to be given extra time to pass a fitness test prior to the World Cup. White, who has been suffering from a torn side muscle, is back bowling in the nets but and was thought likely to appear in England's first World Cup warm-up match against Eastern Province in Port Elizabeth. However, he has now been pencilled in for the second match against Border in East London on Thursday.

ECB media liaison officer Andrew Walpole said, "The intention is to give as many players as we can a run-out, either on Tuesday or on Thursday against Border in East London.

"Craig bowled in the nets this morning and came through without any reaction but we want to give him and Steve Harmison more time after their injuries."

White suffered this latest injury in December, ruling him out of the last Ashes Test and the second phase of the one-day international tournament with Australia and Sri Lanka. He is a vital part of the England plan, with coach Duncan Fletcher is keen to give White as much time as possible to prove his fitness.

Fast bowler Harmison, meanwhile, is recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the triangular tournament in Australia. The Durham bowler was not expected to feature in England's one-day plans at the start of the Australian tour, but injuries to others and increased accuracy have meant that he has been included. His extra pace and bounce could prove useful when conditions are favourable.

There are few doubts that Harmison will be fit and ready for the start of the World Cup, and hopes are growing that White will be able to join him. White himself has said, "I am reasonably confident I will be fit."

However, as he told Sky TV, there is a difference between bowling in the nets and in a competitive situation. "The big worry is how it will go in the game situation when the adrenalin is flowing and you're giving it one hundred per cent.

"You can bowl in the nets as much as you want but it's not the same as bowling in the middle so that will be the big test on Thursday. Hopefully it will happen and I'll come through OK."

Even if he is not completely ready for the first match, the England camp has indicated that he will not necessarily be replaced immediately. If the injury does not hold up and it is felt necessary to call up a replacement, the Surrey all-rounder and former England one-day captain Adam Hollioake is favourite to step in.