England's Ashes series went from bad to worse today after it emerged Craig White is a major doubt for the World Cup as he tore a rib muscle on the opening day of the fourth Test. White has been ruled out of bowling for at least six weeks but he would have been a certainty in England's final 15-man squad for the tournament in South Africa, underlined by his unbeaten 85 at the MCG today before the extent of his injury was revealed in scan results.
The squad must be submitted to the International Cricket Council by New Year's Eve at the latest but with White most likely to miss the final Ashes Test next week and with the uncertainty over his expected return to action, the selectors could be forced to leave him out of the squad line-up.
With fellow all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and Ashley Giles both doubtful as they continue their recovery from injury, to also include Craig White in the squad could be stretching the agreement to the extreme over teams replacing players if they are found to be unfit for the tournament after the December 31 deadline.
White had inspired a determined fightback by England on the third day at the MCG today after they had slumped to 118 for six in reply to Australia's imposing first-innings total of of 551 for six declared. His efforts in guiding England to 270 all out provided the platform for England to reach 111 for two at the close after they were forced to follow on 281 runs adrift.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
