Katich adds to Australia's injury concerns ahead of the Ashes

| Thursday October 28, 2010 00:00

 The original diagnosis of bruising was overruled on Katich's return to Sydney, where scans revealed a fracture and ligament damage.

Katich hopes to be fit for New South Wales' Sheffield Shield match against Victoria at the SCG, starting on 10 November, with the first Ashes Test beginning in Brisbane on 25 November.

'The specialist said there was no point having surgery because I'd be out for some time so we just have to see how it settles down,' Katich told the Australian.

'It definitely hindered me during the first Test in Mohali. I felt like I was batting one-handed. It felt better in the second Test but the big problem was it affected my preparation. I had to stop hitting balls.'

Katich has enjoyed a rich run of form since his return as an opening batsman two and a half years ago. He has scored 2,831 runs at 52.48 in 31 Tests, with eight centuries and 16 half-centuries.

Australia are also waiting on the fitness of Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris going into the Ashes. (Guardian)