Jason Gillespie was dropped from the Australian line-up to play Northamptonshire on Saturday, prompting speculation he will not face England in the fourth Ashes cricket Test at Trent Bridge.
The paceman, who has been a regular starter for four years, has struggled with the ball during the current series, which stands at 1-1 with two Tests to play.
With Gillespie left out of the team for the two-day game against Northants, Michael Kasprowicz and Shaun Tait will play and it seems likely one of them will join Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Shane Warne in the bowling attack to face England in Nottingham.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting, whose 156 in the second innings at Old Trafford helped Australia draw the third Test, is rested for the game at Northampton along with wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist and legspinner Shane Warne.
Australia and Northants agreed that both sides could use 12 players in the game. That meant legspinner Stuart MacGill can bowl but not bat.