The Lancashire batsman has been dogged with ill-luck and has played only three innings in five weeks. With two one-day games against New South Wales to follow the match here, he may only be considered for the final match of the trip - the first-class fixture against Queensland.

In the opening game of the tour Gallian suffered a hand injury in fielding practice. Returning to the side, he then took a severe knock on his right index finger in the match against the Australian Cricket Academy a fortnight ago.

A specialist's examination revealed no fracture, but while batting in the nets here this week Gallian took another knock on the finger which did not help the recovery process.

This is not the first time hand injuries have hampered Gallian's progress. In his maiden Test against West Indies at Edgbaston in 1995, the opener broke a finger and had to miss the following match.