The Ashes: Hauritz strikes note of optimism

Nathan Hauritz. Photo / Getty Images

Spin bowler Nathan Hauritz reckons he is still a chance to play in the Ashes for Australia despite being cut from the squad for the first Test at the Gabba.

Hauritz says he has shrugged off his axing after a period of "grieving" since being informed of the decision on Saturday.

He played club cricket the day after receiving the dreaded call from chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch, and presented a smiling face at NSW training on Tuesday to speak about where he would go from here.

"Saturday was obviously the day of grieving, but I've completely moved on and (I'm) just looking forward to playing some cricket with the (NSW) boys over in Perth," said Hauritz.

"As I've always said you don't get dropped for playing well, there were reasons behind it, and I just have to move on and prove I have in state cricket.

"I've just got to get back to the way I was bowling, it's no secret the things that need to be worked on."

A poor series in India sowed the seeds of Hauritz's removal, and they germinated with the help of plentiful November rain that reduced his opportunities to bowl despite taking part in three Sheffield Shield matches.

However Hauritz was adamant he would be considered again as summer went on.

"I just wasn't bowling well enough to be playing Test cricket," he said.

"If you're not in the best XI you're not going to be picked and I've said that all along.

"They've got an Ashes series to win, if I was bowling better and on top of my game I would've been picked.

"Definitely (I can still play in the Ashes), playing on these wickets I did well last time on these wickets, and I know the conditions well, if the opportunity arises I'll definitely be ready, but to be honest my focus is completely on NSW."

- AAP