Bracken scan reveals no major shoulder abnormality

Nathan Bracken will remain part of the Travelex Australian Tour of the UK 2001 after a scan on his sore left shoulder revealed no major abnormality.

However, the 23 year-old New South Wales left-arm pace bowler will remain sidelined for the next few days as he undertakes further strengthening and rehabilitation work on the injured area.

Bracken had a scan on his shoulder on Monday after the Australian squad arrived in Manchester following its victories in the first two matches of the triangular NatWest Series, against Pakistan and England.

Bracken and team physiotherapist Patrick Farhart went to collect the results on Tuesday and they were reassured that no major abnormalities showed up on the scan.

Bracken does have minor instability in the shoulder, a problem that surfaced during the one-day match against Middlesex at Lord's on 5 June.

But with strengthening and rehabilitation work under Farhart's supervision, it is hoped he will be fit to play as soon as possible.

Nathan Bracken said: "This is great news. It's obviously a frustrating situation to be unavailable at this moment in time but the fact this isn't a major problem is terrific and I'm looking forward to getting back into action as soon as possible."

The other injured players in the Australian squad, fellow pace bowlers Damien Fleming (sore right calf) and Jason Gillespie (tight right hamstring) both bowled and ran during team training at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Both players will be assessed again at training on Wednesday ahead of the side's next outing, a day-night match against England at Old Trafford on Thursday, and it is hoped both will be available for selection in that match.