Clarke, Harris, Siddle to be rested from Shield games to prepare for winter Ashes

Australian captain Michael Clarke and fast bowlers Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle will reportedly be rested from the next round of Sheffield Shield matches in order to give them preparation time for the first Test of the winter Ashes series in Brisbane, beginning next week.

The trio, who are the most vital part of Australia's hopes of regaining the urn, will complete their Ashes preparation at Cricket Australia's (CA) Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, while the full round of the next batch of Shield matches will begin from Wednesday.

According to News.com.au, Clarke struggled through the opening Shield match for New South Wales (NSW) with back and hip problems but felt much better after his second game, against Victoria, which ended on Saturday.

Stating that he is pleased with Clarke's progress, Australian coach Darren Lehmann said that Clarke has successfully completed the plan for his Ashes build-up by playing two Shield matches, adding that he has spent valuable time in the middle batting and fielding and his back has coped well.

However, Lehmann further said that they will continue to take a sensible and cautious approach to managing Clarke, while adding that on the fast bowling front, Siddle and Harris are both in great condition and will continue their preparation under the guidance national coaching staff in Brisbane over the coming days.