Injury fears lessen for Ashes rivals

The Australian and England teams were breathing a little easier in the lead-up to this week's first Ashes test after their injured players started showing signs of improvement.

England fast bowler Steve Harmison completed a 40 minute net session in Adelaide yesterday to ease fears about his availability for the series opener in Brisbane.

Harmison withdrew from England's final practice match against South Australia after straining his side but is steadily improving.

Australia paceman Shaun Tait was also back in action yesterday after leaving the field the previous day with cramp while middle-order batsman Damien Martyn is expected to be passed fit. Martyn missed a domestic match on Friday with an elbow problem.

Australia's biggest concern is with all rounder Shane Watson who strained his right hamstring in Perth on Friday.

Australia called up Michael Clarke on standby for Watson but are optimistic the all rounder may still play as his injury was not as bad as first suspected.

England tour match ends in a draw

Meanwhile, England's last Ashes warm-up match against South Australia ended in a draw at Adelaide Oval yesterday.

England captain Andrew Flintoff and South Australia skipper Darren Lehmann agreed to call off the match early with no result possible.

When play ended, South Australia were 164 for two in their second innings, trailing England by four runs, after the tourists had made 415 in their first innings.