Shane Warne is a doubt for next February's World Cup after dislocating his right shoulder during the closing stages of the second VB Series match at the MCG. Warne dived to stop a single off his own bowling and landed with his full weight on his right elbow. It was immediately apparent that he had suffered a serious injury and he was clearly in considerable pain as he was carried from the field on a stretcher.

Errol Alcott, Australia's team physiotherapist, confirmed that Warne had suffered a discloated right shoulder. "He's got what's called an anterior dislocation," explained Alcott. "It was put back in by the team doctor and it went back in really well. We need to see if any further damage has been caused by the dislocation amd we need to establish if there has been any bone injury.

"He will be seen by the same specialist who operated on the shoulder four years ago. Initially, it could be four to six weeks but it depends on what else is found over the next couple of days."

Warne needed a reconstruction of his right shoulder in 1998, ruling him out of the first four Tests of the 1998-99 Ashes series. He also missed much of the 2000-01 Australian summer when he broke his spinning finger in a fielding accident. He rejuvenated his international career this year with a strict fitness regime that resulted in a much trimmer, more muscular frame.

Stuart MacGill, who bowled with success against England on their last tour here, is expected to replace Warne for the remaining two Tests against England at Melbourne and Sydney.

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