Warne's injury blow mars victory

The sight of Shane Warne, possibly the world's greatest spin bowler ever, rolling around in agony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground before leaving on a stretcher yesterday evening with a dislocated right shoulder soured Australia's second emphatic one-day victory over England in three days.

The injury, sustained when when he fell awkwardly attempting to save a run off his own bowling during the second one-sided day/night match of the VB series, has definitely ruled the legendary leg-spinner out of the last two Ashes Tests over Christmas and the New Year. And it is almost certain to prevent him playing in the World Cup – which Australia hold after winning it at Lord's in 1999 – in South Africa next February.

"Shane has had an anterior dislocation of his right shoulder" said Errol Alcott, the Australian physiotherapist, when describing his injury. "It was put back in successfully in the medical area by our doctor [Trefor James]. The best case scenario, if he has just popped the capsule, is four to six weeks and you can only add time on if there is something further."

Immediately after the dislocation was put back in Warne was taken to hospital where he had X-rays and scans to see if there was any further damage whether it be boney or ligamentous. After a consultation with his shoulder specialist Greg Hoy – who performed surgery on the same joint four years ago, which kept him ou of international cricket for eight months – Warne spent the night in hospital and was die to have an arthroscopic operation on the joint today. Only after this will the full extent of damage be known.

When asked whether this injury ruled Warne out of the World Cup Alcott said: "I think it is just a case of Shane Warne's shoulder getting better as soon as possible. We cannot use the World Cup as a milestone for his rehab."

For Australia, who comprehensively beat England by 89 runs, the injury to the second highest Test wicket taker of all-time – with 491 victims – overshadowed another excellent performance by the world champions.

"This was a sad thing to happen in a good game" said a subdued Australian captain, Ricky Ponting. "It is safe to say he will be out for quite a while. We will have to keep our fingers crossed that it is not that bad because he will be a key player for us in the World Cup."

The England captain Nasser Hussain shared Australia's concern for Warne. "We all hope it is not serious because world cricket needs Warny bowling the way he has in the last few months" he said. And then, tongue in cheek, he added "That's in the hope he is out for a couple of weeks [to the end if England's tour] then back to his best."

The replacement leg-spinner they have, Stuart Magill, took 27 wickets at an average of 17.66 in the four Tests he played against England four years ago. Warne's absence will not mean an easy ride for England.