Adam Shields is getting suited and booted for the Speedway World Cup after completing his astonishing return to the track.

Shields, making his Eastbourne Eagles comeback just 54 days after suffering a broken pelvis and hip which was supposed to end his season, raced to two heat wins in a 48-42 home success over high-flying Belle Vue on Saturday.

But his efforts were not enough to earn Eagles a rare bonus point as Arlington staged its own version of Australia Day.

Cameron Woodward, the 21-year-old reserve from the state of Victoria, rounded off his best night in the Elite League so far by helping compatriot Shields to the 4-2 in heat 14 which clinched victory on the night and edged Eagles two points ahead on aggregate.

But Aussie skipper Jason Crump helped Aces level the aggregate scores in heat 15 before claiming his sixth win out of six by leaving Nicki Pedersen way behind in the race-off for the bonus.

That fourth win of the night against Pedersen was not quite Crump's final task.

He still had to let Shields try on his race suit so the Aussies will know what size to order when they kit the Eagles star out for next month's World Cup.

Shields' return will be a nice boost for the Aussies' chances, as if Crump really needed another trophy in his cabinet.

But Eastbourne will gain the more immediate benefit.

Shields received a hero's welcome from a big crowd.

After coming last, albeit a competitive last, in heat three, he was beaten only by Crump in his remaining three races.

Not that his eight-point haul surprised him. He said: "It was about what I expected.

"I wouldn't have ridden if I hadn't thought I could score some points and win some races.

"It's only a start. I've got a long way to go before I'm fully right.

"The track helped. It was perfect and I managed to keep out of trouble."

Shields and Crump produced performances which will be remembered for years by fans lucky enough to be at the East Sussex track on a gorgeous warm evening to enjoy some scintillating racing.

No one could get near Crump. Not even Pedersen, who in turn was streets ahead of every other rider.

The four showdowns between the GP stars were no-contests. Even when Pedersen got the best start in heat 13, Crump, out of gate four, cut back inside him and powered clear down the back straight.

It was a masterclass from the world champion elect and many home fans gave him his due applause at the end.

And then there was the third Aussie.

Woodward's two heat wins will not make headlines but they will, like Shields' return and Crump's maximum, be long remembered if he goes on to fulfil the potential Eagles boss Jon Cook sees in him.

He held the inside in heat two to lead Lewis Bridger to the 5-1 which gave Eagles a lead they were never to lose.

Then he helped Pedersen to a maximum in heat eight before doing more good work in heat 14, overhauling Phil Morris for third place to open a 46-38 advantage.

A 3-3 in the 15th would have given Eagles the bonus.

But Joe Screen, who was involved in much of the night's best action, preserved his record of being beaten only by Pedersen and Shields from the home ranks by pipping David Norris for third in a thrilling battle as Crump took the chequered flag.

Then Crump had the last word for the Aussies in the run-off.

Tonight's fixtures Elite League: Ipswich v Swindon, Reading v Oxford, Wolverhampton v Eastbourne (all 7.30).