Australian cricketer Katich cleared of fracture

Former Test opener Simon Katich was cleared of any fracture Tuesday after suffering concussion when he top-edged a pull shot into his face during a Sheffield Shield match.

The 36-year-old was treated at the ground Monday by New South Wales medical staff during the game against Tasmania and was subsequently x-rayed.

"Simon has had provisional x-rays which have cleared him of any fracture to the area," said NSW physio Murray Ryan.

"He has soft tissue bruising above the left eye with a mild concussion."

Katich was controversially dropped from Cricket Australia's contract list last year and was disciplined in December after accusing Test captain Michael Clarke of playing a part in his axing from the Australian team.

Clarke has denied playing any part in Katich's axing.