Ashes 2002/3 | Australia v England VB Series | Melbourne

VB Series, 2002/03, 2nd Match Australia v England Melbourne Cricket Ground (day/night)
15 December 2002 (50-over match)

Toss: Australia

Result: Australia won by 89 Runs

Umpires : SA Bucknor (WI) and SJA Taufel

Match Report : Scorecard - Warne Shoulder Injury

Australian and Victorian leg-spinner Shane Warne may be out of action for six weeks after dislocating his shoulder during the limited-overs match against England in Melbourne.

The player was stetchered off by the squad's support staff and non playing Andy Bichel. While being carried off the field, Warne held his shoulder with his left hand for additional support and was clearly in a lot of distress.

Australian physiotherapist Errol Alcott said the shoulder had been put back in, but added that he expected Warne to be out for four to six weeks.

"It went in really well, so we're happy about. Now we need to just wait a little bit to see if there's any further damage," Alcott said.

"We need to establish if there's any boney injury, so we need to get some plain x-rays done on it.

"Our main concern is his prior history. He's had surgery on that shoulder before so we need to have a look and see if there's perhaps further damage done to that already damaged joint."

Following reconstructive surgery on the same shoulder in 1998, Warne missed several Tests. However, following a strict training regime, the Victorian bounced back fitter than ever and has now become a clear second highest wicket taker behind Courtney Walsh on 491 wickets.

He is likely to miss the fourth and fifth Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, his next target will be the World Cup in South Africa which starts on February the 11th.

Not only will Australia miss his bowling but his renewed vigour and confidence not only in his own ability but his team-mates will be a great loss in the dressing room and out in the field.

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