MATTHEW Elliott has dispelled growing rumours that he would not be fit for the start of Glamorgan's 2006 season in 12 weeks.
The former Australia star gave Glamorgan a major injury scare after it appeared he had broken his right wrist fielding for South Australia against Tasmania.
But after a series of x-rays and bone scans 34-year-old Elliott has been given the all clear and has eased his way back into action.
"I've been very lucky because if I had fractured my scaphoid that could have been really serious,'' admitted the left-handed opener.
"I went for a catch in a one-day game and immediately thought I had broken something.
"There was a real worry for a while but in the end they found I had just tweaked some ligaments.
"It was a real relief to be honest because at this stage in my career I don't want to start breaking bones in my wrist.
"I'm looking forward to the rest of the season and then flying back to the UK around April 10.''
With four first-class games and another four one-day matches left this season for South Australia, Elliott is determined to get into some form before he jets back for his fourth summer with Glamorgan.
He is doubly determined to do well for Glamorgan this year after he missed more than half of last season with a knee injury.
Elliott only played seven County Championship matches and Glamorgan were relegated in humiliating fashion, losing 14 of their 16 matches.
"It will be great to get back to Cardiff again,'' added Elliott. "Looking at it with hindsight I think it will turn out to be a real positive that we are back in the Second Division this time.
"That might sound somewhat negative but it gives us a chance to regroup and develop some of the younger players.
"Being beaten week-in, week-out, as we were last season, was just not the environment in which to nurture young talent.
"I think it's about building a team for the long-term and with Kasper (Michael Kasprowicz) back in the mix again this summer that is a real plus.
"With Matthew Maynard retiring and only one overseas player from the start it made for a difficult summer.
"But now with Kasper and myself back and with the club having recruited Nicky Peng, the early signs look good for the coming season.''
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