Warne expected to play in Test series

After a favourable report on his injured left hand, Shane Warne is expected to be available for the Test series against Sri Lanka, which starts at Darwin on July 1. Warne, who fractured his hand while playing for Hampshire on June 12, was assessed by Dr Trefor James, the Australian board's medical officer, and Greg Hoy, a leading hand surgeon.

"Shane's hand has healed well," said Dr James, "and we now expect that he will be available for selection in the first Test against Sri Lanka. He has made very good progress since suffering the injury, and come the first Test in Darwin, I wouldn't expect him to be suffering from too much pain or discomfort."

Warne currently has 517 Test wickets, and needs just 11 more to break Muttiah Muralitharan's world record. After today's advice, he will now link up with his team-mates in Darwin on June 28.

It was also announced that the replacement for Brad Williams, who was ruled out of the series due to back injury, will be named later in the week.