BRAD HADDIN, the Australia wicketkeeper, has pulled out of the second Investec Ashes Test, which begins at Lord's tomorrow, for personal reasons.
The 37-year-old played very little part in the tourists' practice session yesterday and his absence from the match was later confirmed by Cricket Australia. he will be replaced by the uncapped Peter Nevill.
The Australian team's media manager Kate Hutchison said: "I can confirm that Brad Haddin has withdrawn himself from the second Test at Lord's for family reasons.
"He will remain with the team in London and we won't be making any further comment.
Nevill, also Haddin's understudy at New South Wales, has not played at international level in any format.
The tourists' Mitchell Starc looks to be winning his battle to recover from an ankle injury, with Peter Siddle on standby if he fails to make it.
Siddle said: "Starcy got through well today, bowled out in the middle off the long run - both ends. He's feeling good. I guess it's just a waiting game at the moment for me. Everyone's fit at the moment, which is nice."
Siddle expects a significant improvement from Australia in response to their opening defeat in Cardiff, whoever plays.
"Our normal high standards weren't reached," he said. "That's something we have to address and no doubt we will.
"The boys are upbeat. They're ready to go and want to turn things around. I can see a different contest out there this week."
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