ADELAIDE - England fast bowler Andrew Caddick will know on Wednesday if he is fit enough to face Australia in the third Ashes Test.

Caddick underwent a scan on his injured back today after sustaining a back spasm during the second Test, in which he batted at number 11 as England slumped to an innings-and-51-runs defeat at the Adelaide Oval.

He failed to improve this morning and a scan revealed "wear and tear" on his back.

Caddick will have a steroid injection into his back tomorrow, with a fitness test scheduled for Wednesday.

England physio Kirk Russell said: "The scan has revealed long-standing wear and tear consistent with a fast bowler of Andrew's age which is continuing to cause him pain.

"He will have a steroid injection into his back in Perth tomorrow and his fitness will be reassessed at nets on Adelaide. At this stage he has not been ruled out of the third Test."

The tourists have cover in Alex Tudor and Chris Silverwood if Caddick fails to make a recovery.

© 2002 AAP

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