Shane Watson rested for Sussex tie

Out-of-form Australian opener Shane Watson has been rested for the tour game against Sussex beginning in Brighton on Friday.

Australia decided that time away from the game is the best way for Watson to clear his mind over his trend of getting out Leg-Before wicket (LBW).

Watson, fellow opener Chris Rogers and pacer Peter Siddle will stay in London after being given a leave out pass for the three-day game.

This leaves Australia with only eleven players for the game after James Pattinson was ruled out of the Ashes due to stress fractures, spinner Ashton Agar is recovering from a minor hip strain and Ryan Harris has been advised rest after bowling at Lord’s. David Warner is touring Africa with Australia A.

All the squad, except for Pattinson, will be available for the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford from August 1 where they will look to avoid a series defeat after losing the first two games.

Australian team against Sussex:

Ed Cowan, Usman Khawaja, Phil Hughes, Michael Clarke (captain), Steve Smith, Matt Wade, Brad Haddin, James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird.