Gillespie suffers Ashes setback

Fast bowler has suffered a shoulder injury © Getty Images

Jason Gillespie's slim hope of retaining his place in Australia’s Ashes team have suffered a blow after the fast bowler was ruled out of Friday's one-day match against England.

Gillespie suffered a shoulder injury playing for South Australia and will not feature for the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra on Friday.

But with Gillespie expected to return within a week he should still get a chance to impress against the tourists as England play South Australia in a three-day match at the Adelaide Oval starting on November 17.

Gillespie, who made the most of his Test recall earlier this year against Bangladesh with an unbeaten double century on the way to a series average of 231 and eight wickets at 11.25, hurt his shoulder while fielding during the two-wicket Pura Cup defeat to New South Wales in Adelaide.

But even if the paceman had been fit to play for the Prime Minister's XI it appears likely he will lose his place in the Test team.

The selectors are expected to pick either Stuart Clark, Stuart MacGill or Mitchell Johnson to partner Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Shane Warne in the bowling attack, with the possibility that all-rounder Shane Watson could also be used.

In Gillespie’s absence Victoria skipper and all-rounder Cameron White, who starred for Somerset this summer, will assume the captaincy with Yorkshire’s New South Wales opening batsman Phil Jaques stepping up to be his deputy.

Western Australia’s Brett Dorey takes Gillespie’s place in the side.

“I'm delighted to be appointed captain of the Prime Minister's XI,” said White.

“Obviously it's disappointing that Jason has had to pull out through injury as it would have been good to have his experience in the team.

“However, I'm happy to take the captaincy on and Brett Dorey has been in good form this season, has played one-day cricket for Australia and I expect him to be a vital cog in our team come Friday.”