The Australian and English cricket teams were both hit by injury scares on Friday, just six days before the start of the first Ashes test in Brisbane. England fast bowler Steve Harmison pulled out of the tourists' three-day match against South Australia in Adelaide because of a side-strain.
Australian middle-order batsman Damien Martyn then withdrew from Western Australia's one-day match against Queensland in Perth with an elbow problem, while all-rounder Shane Watson limped off the field in the same match after injuring his hamstring while bowling. Western Australian team officials said Martyn would definitely be available for Brisbane but there were some concerns about Harmison and Watson.
Harmison complained of feeling stiffness in his side when he woke up in the morning. He bowled in the nets before the match in Adelaide but was told to play it safe and was replaced by Sajid Mahmood. England coach Duncan Fletcher said later that Harmison was taken to hospital for scans and a painkilling injection and there were fears he could miss the series opener.