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Warner stakes Test claim, Prior hurt in Hobart

David Warner looks to have secured his place in Australia’s squad for the first Ashes Test after ending the Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria with an unbeaten half-century.

Warner (51 not out) backed up his first innings century as the Blues compiled 0-94 in their second innings as the match at the MCG ended in a draw.

Meanwhile Queensland and Tasmania drew their game at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, with the Bulls 0-168 needing 375 for victory.

In the other match, South Australia earned outright points, beating Western Australia by 108 runs in Perth.

With the Ashes squad to be announced next week, Warner’s impressive Shield double will almost certainly ensure his name is among those read out to face England in the first Test at the Gabba starting November 21.

Test opener Chris Rogers also showed some impressive form leading into the first Test, scoring 88 in the first innings and backing that up with 117 in the second.

Victoria secured the only points from the game, taking two first innings points.

Elsewhere, Queensland opener Nathan Reardon was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured eye socket in his side’s draw against Tasmania.

Reardon was struck in his left eye playing a shot off a short Ben Hilfenhaus delivery, dropping his bat on the stumps and stumbling away. He was taken to hospital for X-rays.

Tasmania was dismissed for 407 in its second innings, leaving the Bulls 375 to win the game.

Chris Lynn (72 not out) and Joe Burns (63 not out) steered the Bulls to 0-168 at stumps.

Test hopeful George Bailey followed up his first innings 34 with 41 in the second innings.

Tasmania took the two first innings points in the game.

In Perth, South Australia won its clash against Western Australia at the WACA ground by 108 runs.

The Redbacks were all out for 222 in their second innings, leaving the Warriors needing 339 in their second dig to win the game.

However the home side was bowled out for 230, with Chadd Sayers (4-34) and debutant Trent Lawford (3-41) leading the way for the Redbacks’ bowlers.

Meanwhile, England have suffered a blow ahead of the first Ashes Test with wicketkeeper Matt Prior sending an injury scare through the camp.

Prior felt tightness in his calf when attempting a quick single while batting on day four of the match against Australia A at Bellerive and may require a scan.

It was up to Joe Root to keep wicket for England and Prior’s fitness will now be an ongoing concern for England heading into their final pre-Ashes tour match against an Invitational XI starting on Wednesday in Sydney.

The Hobart weather finally made play possible on Saturday, but England’s Test plans have still been significantly hampered by their trip south.

At the close Australia A were 3-119 from 31 overs, with Shaun Marsh 27no and Callum Ferguson 15no in response to England’s 7-430 declared from 128 overs faced.

Star batsman Kevin Pietersen (8) was one of several England stars who failed to find form at Bellerive, with Jonathan Trott (4), Gary Ballance (4) and Prior (26) also struggling.

Rain prevented any play on days two and three.

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