Cricket: Aussies keen to rest stars

Australia will rest a clutch of their best players from the three-day cricket match against Worcestershire so the remaining Ashes squad members can get a game.

Bowlers Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne are likely to sit out the match, which starts Saturday, along with wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist and another batsman, possibly Damien Martyn.

There is speculation Ricky Ponting could also be given the three days off, which could mean Australia could turn to Matthew Hayden or Simon Katich to captain the side for the first time.

The selectors are keen for Michael Kasprowicz, Brad Hodge, Stuart MacGill, Shaun Tait and Brad Haddin to all have a solid work-out in Worcester.

Fast bowler Tait is yet to play a match since he joined the test squad, while Haddin has filled in for Gilchrist only once - against Somerset, six weeks ago - the entire tour.

The Australians, who are 1-0 up after the big win over England at Lord's, will spend tomorrow with corporate sponsors in a social game before they depart for Worcester tomorrow night.

Meanwhile, England is considering adding allrounder Paul Collingwood to its squad for the second test, in Edgbaston starting August 4, to bolster its batting.

Collingwood has been a crucial part of England's one-day side over the past five years, but has played only two tests, in Sri Lanka in December 2003.

England, which was bowled out for 155 and 180 at Lord's, will name its side on Sunday.

Former Australian captain Allan Border said Collingwood would help strengthen the home side's batting, which struggled against McGrath and Warne.

"If I was England, I'd look to leave out a bowler for the second test and bring in a batsmen who can bowl a reasonable medium pace," Border said.

"Someone like Paul Collingwood could fulfil this role."

- AAP