Paceman Brett Lee will miss Australia's tour match at Northampton and will struggle to be fit enough to play in the third Ashes cricket Test at Edgbaston.
Lee was sidelined for the first two Tests against England after injuring his side in Australia's final warm-up match against the England Lions.
With Ricky Ponting's side trailing 1-nil in the series, the tourists had hoped to include Lee against Northants.
But he was restricted to stretching and jogging exercises today.
His team-mates will be skippered by Michael Hussey, with Ponting, Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin all rested.
Australia spent the day preparing in the nets to face their hosts - currently fifth in County Championship Division Two - in a three-day match starting tonight, with the third Test following next Thursday.
Lee was the most impressive Australian bowler against the Lions, and in the 32-year-old pace bowler's absence his team-mates were unable to take 20 wickets in either of the first two Tests.
Australia also have concerns over the form of Mitchell Johnson and will field a team dominated by seam bowlers at Northampton. Johnson will be trying to make an impression with Australia's on-duty selector Jamie Cox after disappointing in the Tests so far.
He will be joined by all-rounders Andrew McDonald and Shane Watson, and probably seamer Stuart Clark. Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle and Nathan Hauritz are also in the 12-man squad for the match, but one is likely to be rested.
