Australia's preparations for the ICC World T20 have been given a boost with Nathan Coulter-Nile making a successful return to action following a shoulder injury.

Coulter-Nile, who hasn't played since dislocating his shoulder on December 21, bowled 12 overs in WA Premier Cricket on Saturday, finishing with figures of 1-37 for club side Subiaco Floreat.

The 28-year-old bowled three four-over spells and reported "no issues" with his shoulder after play.

Scorecard: Coulter-Nile impresses in Premier Cricket

"It's the most overs I've bowled all year so it's fairly positive," Coulter-Nile told News Corp.

"Rhythm's a bit of an issue, but that will come with more bowling.

"I literally wasn't able to do anything (when I was injured).

"I haven't been able to work on bowling or fielding or even catching, I've literally been in the gym.

"My cricket skills are down a little bit but I picked it up pretty quick out there."

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Coulter-Nile is now expected to play the opening two days of Western Australia's Sheffield Shield match against Queensland, starting on Thursday.

Should the 28-year-old come through the Shield match unscathed, he will head to South Africa with Australia's squad for a three-game series against the Proteas early next month.

National Selector Rod Marsh said earlier this month it was hoped that Coulter-Nile and fellow injured World T20 squad members Aaron Finch and James Faulkner would turn out for their Shield teams this week to prove their fitness before heading to South Africa. Tasmania host Victoria at Blundstone Arena, also starting on Thursday.

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Coulter-Nile fielded at first slip on Saturday, taking one catch, and expects his fielding and bowling workload to increase over the coming weeks.

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"I doubt there will be long spells, I never bowl long spells anyway so probably four or five over bursts," Coulter-Nile said of his expected workload in the Shield game.

"The shoulder feels all right, there were no issues.

"I'll have to start fielding with a bit more intensity before the Shield game, but I'm sure that will come."