Craig White's participation in the rest of the Ashes series is in doubt after he tore a side muscle during the fourth Test in Melbourne.

The Yorkshire all-rounder is unlikely to bowl again in the match following a scan at the end of day two. White is England's leading wicket-taker in the Ashes series.

"I had a scan last night and I've torn my side muscle again so that's a big disappointment," White said. "I don't know if I'll be able to bowl again this match - it's probably like asking a batter to bat with a broken thumb.

"It's pretty sore at the minute and it's the main bowling muscle so I think I'll be struggling. Sydney is very doubtful, and if I'm not bowling I don't think I'll be playing.

"We'll see what it's like in a week or so, but we'll probably just have to aim for the World Cup now."

White's innings of 85 initiative an England fightback on the third day at the MCG, rescuing them from 118 for six to 270 all out in reply to Australia's first-innings 551 for six declared.

"It was nice to get some runs and obviously it would have been nice to get 100, but if someone had said I would have got that at the start of the day I would have taken it.

"It was good conditions to bat in and it's still a good batting pitch. Before the one-dayers I was struggling for form but I spent a lot of time at the crease in the one-dayers and that's all you need just to click back into place.

"I don't need to prove myself to anyone, I just enjoy playing cricket and enjoy playing for England. I've picked up some wickets and some runs on the tour so far and I'm enjoying myself again.

"We've got a lot of batting to do, so it's a big challenge ahead of us but we've got to prove we can play. Hopefully Nasser (Hussain) and (Michael) Vaughan can stick in there. The first session tomorrow is vitally important, so we'll just wait and see.

Meanwhile the Australian leg-spinner Stuart MacGill has few concerns about his side's position as they go into the fourth day.

You've got to think Australia is in a particularly strong position, and tomorrow could be a tough day for the England team," MacGill said.

© CricInfo Ltd.

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.