Ashes: Now, Australia's Marsh joins Warner on injury list

Australia batsman Shaun Marsh has joined opener David Warner as an injury concern on the eve of the series-opening Ashes Test against England in Brisbane.

Marsh strained his back during training at the Gabba on Wednesday, Cricket Australia said, a day after Warner hurt his neck during a fielding drill.

All-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been drafted in as cover for Warner should the vice-captain be unable to shake off the injury.

However, there was no suggestion from the board that a second player would be brought in to cover for Marsh, who would have moved up the order to open with his uncapped Western Australia team mate Cameron Bancroft.

Australia skipper Steve Smith backed Warner to be fit and ready for the start of the five-match series, before Marsh's injury was revealed later on Wednesday.

Maxwell was omitted from the 13-man Ashes squad named last week, with Marsh named as his replacement.

The selection of the injury-prone Marsh was criticised by local media and pundits given his modest Test record and Australia's usual preference for an all-rounder to help with the bowling load.

Image: Shaun Marsh at a nets session on Tuesday

Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images