McGrath, Gillespie to miss VB Series match against Sri Lanka

Australia fast bowlers Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie will miss the VB Series match against Sri Lanka at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday, it was announced today.

McGrath is continuing his recovery from the strain to his left side while Gillespie will be absent because of the injury to his left elbow sustained on the fourth day of the fifth Orange Test match against England on Sunday.

A decision on whether another player will be called into the squad - and if so, who that player would be - will be made in due course.

McGrath, who sustained his injury during the fourth Orange Test match in Melbourne, bowled in the nets at the SCG on Monday and afterwards Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott pronounced himself happy with the player's progress.

"Glenn reported no discomfort and the problem has not bothered him over the past few days," he said.

"We will continue treatment and expect him to bowl again later in the week. If he pulls up well from that we will assess him with a view to making him available for selection at the earliest appropriate occasion."

Gillespie had an X-ray on Sunday afternoon that indicated no bony problem, and he is expected to see an upper limb specialist in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Alcott said: "We would like to gain some further insight into the damage in Jason's left elbow and it is likely he will have further diagnostic scans."

Alcott would not put a time frame on Gillespie's return to action and added: "At this stage he will miss the VB Series game in Sydney on Thursday and we will know more in due course."

Alcott also said he is delighted with the continuing recovery of Shane Warne following his dislocated right shoulder and added Andrew Bichel remains available for selection despite suffering a slight chip fracture to the end of his left index finger on the first day of the fifth Orange Test match.