Victorian Bushrangers left-arm fast bowler Mathew Inness fractured his right big toe in a freak accident at a Port Melbourne beach training session yesterday.

"It happened in the last 30 seconds of a beach soccer game with Travis Birt accidentally kicking me right on the toe," Inness said. "Obviously I'm extremely disappointed, but the upside is that I am hopeful of developing some form of protection for the toe and play in the ING Cup match against Tasmania on February 16".

Inness had several x-rays at the Prahran Sports & Medicine clinic after the incident, which confirmed a fracture and partial dislocation. Coach Mick O'Sullivan said the players had all but completed a 90 minute session at Port Melbourne before the mishap.

Inness took 11 wickets last week to trigger Victoria's victory in just three days against New South Wales.

© 2002 Victorian Cricket Association