Gilchrist undergoing precautionary treatment for elbow infection

Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist is undergoing precautionary treatment for an infection to his right elbow.

The treatment, which began at lunchtime on Monday (4 November), involves Gilchrist being hooked up to an intravenous anti-biotic drip at a Brisbane hospital.

He will remain in hospital overnight and if the condition responds to the treatment it is hoped he will be released at some stage on Tuesday.

The problem began to manifest itself on Saturday when Gilchrist noticed an area of tenderness on his elbow.

The area became more uncomfortable on Sunday, the day he joined his team-mates in Brisbane, and after examination by the medical staff it was decided to admit him to hospital on Monday.

Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott said: "The treatment is a precautionary procedure to avert any possibility of the problem developing further.

"We have every confidence at this stage that Adam should be right for the Test if he responds to the treatment as we hope he will."

Adam Gilchrist said: "It's frustrating not being able to train straight away and interrupt the build-up to the Test match but I'm working on the basis this is a frustration and nothing more.

"I'm keen to get back on deck as soon as possible and my expectation at this stage is that I will be fully fit and ready to play in the Test match come Thursday morning."

At this point, no-one has been called up as cover for Gilchrist.