Katich in shoulder injury scare ahead of Ashes opener

SYDNEY - Opening batsman Simon Katich gave Australia an injury scare ahead of the Ashes series when he hurt his shoulder while playing for New South Wales in their Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Katich injured his left shoulder while diving in the field and failed to come to the crease when the Blues started their second innings as a precaution, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Talking about the situation, Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: “He dived in the field and jarred up his shoulder. It was quite painful, as they are.”

“It’s always a worry, but it doesn’t look to be a serious injury,” he added.

The 35-year-old was dismissed for one in the morning session on day one.

He has only recently recovered from a broken thumb sustained during Australia’s 2-0 Test series defeat against India. (ANI)