Nathan Bracken: Heading to England

The New South Wales paceman, who is a Test regular for Australia, could make his debut in the C&G Trophy final against Worcestershire at Lord's on Saturday after being asked to fill in for the injured Mike Smith.

Smith is unlikely to play again this season after suffering a slipped disc, and player-coach Mark Alleyne said Bracken was a suitable replacement.

"Nathan will be a very useful addition to us in these important final games of the season," he told Sportinglife.com.

Alleyne has been under a fitness cloud for the match himself but Gloucestershire all-rounder Alex Gidman told BBC Sport Online that he should play.

"I would be very surprised if Mark Alleyne isn't fit," Gidman said. "Mike is struggling a bit. Even if he is injury-free you would have to question his match fitness."