Wednesday 22 November 2017 17:15, UK
David Warner and Shaun Marsh are injury doubts for Australia ahead of the first Ashes Test with Glenn Maxwell called-up as cover.
Vice-captain Warner injured his neck during fielding practice on Tuesday while Marsh is a fresh injury concern pulling up with a stiff back after training on Wednesday.
Both players have been included in Australia's starting XI for the opening Test at the Gabba and captain Steve Smith believes Warner, who took part in a net session on Wednesday, will be fit for the match.
"He's very confident and he says he'll be right to go," Smith said.
"He'll be okay. It's part and parcel of playing cricket. Guys have injuries every now and then and have little niggles.
"He's improved a fair bit over the last 24 hours and hopefully he can keep improving and be 100 per cent at match time.
"He said he'll even bat like Shivnarine Chanderpaul, if he has to."
After Smith's news conference, Australia confirmed a call-up for Maxwell who was seen as cover for Warner. But with news of Marsh's injury, the 29-year-old could be in line to play his first home Test match.
Smith confirmed Warner's opening partner in Brisbane will be Test debutant Cameron Bancroft with bowlers Jackson Bird and Chadd Sayers missing out.
Australia XI (probable): D Warner, C Bancroft, U Khawaja, Smith (c), P Handscomb, S Marsh, T Paine, M Starc, P Cummins, J Hazlewood, N Lyon.
