Australia have released batsman David Warner from the Ashes tour of England to join up with their A squad in Zimbabwe and South Africa, Cricket Australia said on Wednesday.
Warner was suspended last month for punching England batsman Joe Root in a Birmingham bar following a Champions Trophy match between the teams.
He was banned until the first Ashes Test but was not named in the team for the match which started at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.
"He is in need of match practice and runs in the longer format and the Australia A games in Zimbabwe and South Africa will provide him with the best possible opportunity."
Warner will return to England to join the Ashes squad when he has had enough match practice.
Steve Smith, who was named in the team for the first Test after being called up from the A tour of England, will stay on with the Ashes squad for the full five-match series.
Photograph: Philip Brown/Reuters
Warner in contention for Ashes return
England's Pietersen divides and conquers
BCCI asks South Africa to change India's tour itinerary
Cook predicts 'one hell of an Ashes battle'
Ahmed set for Ashes call after becoming Australian