Gilchrist laid low by flu

Australia's preparations for the opening Test against India were thrown into mild disarray when Adam Gilchrist missed Tuesday's training session, confined to bed by what was described as "mild flu".

Gilchrist was reported to be suffering from aches and pains, but Errol Alcott, Australia's team physio, said that there was no chance of his missing the match. "He threw a bit of a scare into the camp this morning saying that he was feeling a bit run-down, a bit fluey," Alcott told reporters. "I've got word from the doctor and he thinks he's just suffering a mild flu and a bit of an infection. We don't know what stage the infection's at, but he seems to think he's had it for a couple of days so hopefully the worst is over and he'll come up fresh tomorrow."

Alcott added that Andy Bichel was also suffering from the same kind of infection but was expected to be fit for Thursday, and that the only other fitness worry, Matthew Hayden, had recovered from his foot complaint.