Nasser Hussain has admitted for the first time that England's injury-list is a growing cause for concern. Speaking in the aftermath of England's humbling 58-run defeat against the ACB Chairman's XI at Lilac Hill, Hussain warned his players that there was no hiding place. "People have to get out there and play, that is why they are on this tour. There's no time to be resting." It was an ignominous opening day of the Ashes tour, the low point of which was Steve Harmison's 14-ball over, which included eight wides. Whether or not it contributed to his performance, Harmison was later added to the casualty list, diagnosed with mild concussion after being struck in the field during the match. His injury was not serious, however, and he was allowed to continue playing.

"I'm sure there'll be a lot of attention on Harmison's wides," said Hussain, "but the way he bowled in between those wides was very pleasing for Test match cricket. He was hostile and he did ruffle a few batsmen up. You have to remember that in a Test match, half of those leg-side deliveries would not have been called wide. Obviously he needs to adjust his radar a bit, but I was pleased with his contribution.

"To lose any match in England colours is disappointing, and I'm sure one or two people back home will be a bit concerned, but there were mitigating circumstances. We have spent two days practising in Test-match conditions because winning the Ashes back is our No. 1 priority. A one-day game requires a different mindset. But it's too early to start panicking, with a half-fit side still suffering from jetlag. After all, we lost to Wales somewhere last summer, and almost won the NatWest Series."

Michael Vaughan missed this match with a knee injury, though he is expected to have recovered in time for the Tests, while Darren Gough and Andrew Flintoff are not expected to play for at least two more weeks.

Hussain stressed that it was up to the players concerned to take responsibility for their own recovery. "The annoying thing is that we still don't know who the fit cricketers are to play against Australia in two weeks' time," he said. "I'm sounding a bit negative, but we still have a little while and the medical advice is that they're all injuries that should heal up just like that. The only exception is Darren Gough because he's had a long-term injury and he's got to be handled with real care because he's a real asset to us."

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