Test hopeful Shaun Tait provided Australia with an injury scare no sooner than he had bowled himself into contention at Wantage Road.

Fast bowler Tait produced a destructive pre-lunch spell to increase his chances of an international debut at Trent Bridge.

But Tait was then struck a painful blow below the left knee in his follow through, courtesy of Ben Phillips. Although he walked from the field, after treatment, the area was heavily bruised and needed icing.

Tait, 22, is vying with Michael Kasprowicz for the third paceman's spot in the fourth Ashes encounter, starting on Thursday, after his South Australian colleague Jason Gillespie was left on the sidelines for this warm-up match.

He responded with two wickets, his hostility troubling the county's top order, particularly opener Tim Roberts who left the field with blood streaming from his left eyebrow and required five stitches.

Phillips, like Roberts, retired hurt after being cut but returned to strike a handful of fours before his flooring of Tait saw partner Monty Panesar run out; the ball trickled into the covers and both batsmen met in mid-pitch with the bowler poleaxed.