"Although any risk to humans from a bat bite or scratch would be low, we would strongly advise members of the public not to handle a sick or injuredbat, " said Professor Martyn Regan, an epidemiologist with the North West Health Protection Agency.
Australia skipper Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat first and was soon out in the middle when opener Phillip Hughes - a replacement for the injured Shane Watson - become Arnel's first Test wicket when he edged a catch to Ross Taylor at slip.