PETER Siddle has been rested by Australia for tomorrow’s clash with England Lions at New Road.

The Aussie quick impressed in the three-day match at Sussex last week, but Baggy Green captain Ricky Ponting said that the 24-year-old will not be steaming in against Worcestershire’s Lions contingent of Vikram Solanki, Stephen Moore and Steve Davies.

Brett Lee will be handed his chance to stake a claim for the first Ashes Test in Cardiff next week, however, all-rounder Shane Watson is still struggling with a thigh injury.

Australia: Hughes, Katich, Ponting (capt), Clarke, Hussey, North, Haddin (wkt), Johnson, Lee, Hauritz, Clark.

Full England Lions v Australia preview in tomorrow’s Worcester News.