LONDON, Jan 18: England all-rounder Craig White has been told to prove his fitness by Feb 4 if he is to play in next month’s World Cup in southern Africa, the BBC reported on Saturday.

White, 33, sustained a side strain in the fourth Test against Australia in Melbourne last month and has not fully responded to treatment.

“Craig White is the one that we have to have a real look at,” said England coach Duncan Fletcher.

“He has had enough cricket this winter but his injury has to be reassessed and we will have to follow his progress.

“The worst scenario is that we will take him to South Africa and, if he is not fit for the very first warm-up game, we will have to look at changing it.”

England are scheduled to play their first World Cup preparation match against Eastern Province in Port Elizabeth on Feb 4.

They are due to play their first World Cup game against Zimbabwe in Harare on Feb 13.

Should White fail in his fitness bid, he could be replaced in England’s 15-man squad, with Surrey captain and all-rounder Adam Hollioake his likely replacement.

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff (hernia) and spinner Ashley Giles (broken wrist) also have to prove their fitness in time for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Durham fast bowler Steve Harmison is to have an MRI scan on Monday after twisting an ankle during England’s 19-run victory over Sri Lanka in a triangular one-day series match in Adelaide on Friday.

Harmison, who had bowled two overs for 27, his leg in a fielding mishap and limped off the field in the 16th over.—Reuters