Headley was withdrawn from Sunday's practice at the WACA after jarring his left knee, an injury which was not thought serious enough to prevent his participation on Monday.

Graham Gooch: "An important time for England"

But he was again left on the sidelines and visibly limped around while England were put through a rigorous four-hour session by manager Graham Gooch and assistant coach Bob Cottam.

Physiotherapist Wayne Morton said: "When he was finishing his spell yesterday (Sunday) he slipped on the crease and felt a little bit of pain in the inside of his knee.

"He has a bit of soreness, tenderness and a bit of swelling but it is only the third day so as a precautionary measure we have rested him.

"He may sit out tomorrow (Tuesday) as well and we will reassess it in a couple of days.

Headley's absence however is not an ideal situation for the England management, just three days before their opening match of the tour against an ACB Chairman's XI.

Gooch said: "He is a better today (Monday) but whether he is fit for selection on Thursday, we do not know at the moment.

"It is an important time because every player wants to impress in the nets, every player wants to make his mark and if you are injured it is not the best of starts."

The ACB have announced their line-up for Thursday's opening match which includes former Test stars Dennis Lillee, Graeme Wood and Bruce Reid.