Cricket: Shoulder injury forces Warne out of Sharjah

SHANE WARNE is expected to miss Australia's tour this week to Sharjah after aggravating his already overworked bowling shoulder.

Warne suffered ligament damage around the joint when diving and just failing to take a catch at cover in the Tri-series victory over Zimbabwe in New Delhi yesterday. He was expected to play in the tournament final against India tomorrow before heading home early.

"Shane will play the final come rain, hail or shine but there is a lot of doubt on Sharjah," Australia's team physiotherapist, Errol Alcott, said.

Alcott said Warne would probably fly home after the final to undergo scheduled arthroscopic surgery to correct the wear and tear on his shoulder after bowling so many overs this season. "It could be a four-month rehabilitation, but if he's got tendon damage then it could be longer," Alcott said.

That worst case scenario would make Warne a doubtful starter for Australia's tour to Pakistan in October and November, which immediately follows the Commonwealth Games one-day tournament in late September, an event he will almost certainly not take part in.

Warwickshire are expected this week to approve a pounds 500,000 scheme to instal permanent floodlighting at Edgbaston. If they are granted planning permission, Warwickshire hope to stage a World Cup match under lights next year when they host three ties including a semi-final.