October 23 Wednesday 2002
Hussain worries over England injuries

PERTH: England captain Nasser Hussain has warned his injury-stricken players to hurry up and get fit after his side crashed to a 58-run loss to an Australian invitational side in their Ashes tour opener on Tuesday.

Hussain said the time for excuses had finished and his players needed to get themselves ready if England wanted to mount a serious challenge to Australia. "From now on there is no hiding place," Hussain told a news conference. "People have to get out there and play, that is why they are on this tour. There's no time to be resting."

Hussain said his players needed to take responsibility for keeping themselves in shape before the first Test against Australia starting in Brisbane on November 7. "All the batters and the bowlers, sooner or later they are going to have to get out there. (They must) either be fit to play for England or not fit to play for England. There is no hiding place on an Ashes tour."

England's injury woes continued on Tuesday when fast bowler Stephen Harmison was diagnosed with mild concussion after being struck in the field. The injury was not serious and he was allowed to continue playing despite suffering the humiliation of delivering 16 wides.