Hayden out for two matches with fractured finger

Matthew Hayden has been ruled out of Queensland's next two games after suffering a broken finger while fielding against Tasmania last Friday, but he is not in doubt for the first Ashes Test next month. The results of a scan on Hayden's little finger on his left hand showed a "minor undisplaced fracture" and the team medical staff decided he would miss the Ford Ranger Cup and Pura Cup matches against New South Wales at the Gabba next week.

"In making that decision it needs to be stated that the injury does not place him in any doubt for the first Test,'' Dr Simon Carter, Queensland Cricket's medical director, said. Hayden is expected to have two domestic one-day games and a first-class fixture against Western Australia before facing England at the Gabba from November 23.

Hayden is not the only problem for the Bulls, who have concerns over the bowling trio of Michael Kasprowicz, Ashley Noffke and Nathan Rimmington. Kasprowicz is out with a back disc injury while Noffke also had scans today for a back problem. Rimmington, who took his maiden first-class wicket during the Tasmania loss, injured a shoulder while fielding and will be monitored throughout the week. Queensland are expected to name their squads to face New South Wales on Monday.