Relieved Williams get the all clear

Brad Williams is hopeful of making Australia's squad for next month's two-Test series against Sri Lanka after doctors cleared him of significant damage to his lower back.

Williams broke down during the second one-dayer in Zimbabwe when he started feeling stabbing back pains from his first over onwards. He said at the time that the pain was reminiscent of the stress fractures that plagued his younger days, but scans conducted in Perth have revealed that the injury is not serious.

"It's a pretty good outcome considering my history with back-related problems, so I'm happy that no serious damage has been done," said Williams. "All I can do now is try and prepare myself in the best possible fashion."

The selectors will announce a 13-man squad for the two Top End Tests, to be played in Darwin and Cairns, on Tuesday. Williams's progress will be closely monitored.

He is likely to be one of four fast bowlers picked, and will be the back-up man for Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath and Michael Kasprowicz. Much attention will centre on whether Stuart MacGill, the only Australian player to pull out of last month's Zimbabwe tour because of moral concerns, is reinstated.