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Australia's Ashes preparations have suffered a blow as Shane Watson was forced to sit out training with a knee injury.
The all-rounder is now a major doubt for the four-day tour match against Sussex, which begins in Hove tomorrow, and he has given captain Ricky Ponting a headache with the First Test in Cardiff only 15 days away.
Watson was chosen in the touring party ahead of the controversial Andrew Symonds, but the 28-year-old has struggled with fitness throughout his career. A hamstring problem ruled him out of the 2006-07 series, which saw Australia reclaim the urn 5-0 after England's win in this country four years ago.
"That's the way it has been with me for the last couple of years," said Watson, who is one of two all-rounders in the squad - the other being Test rookie Andrew McDonald.
Watson was a strong contender to bat at No6 during the Test series, while his medium-pace bowling also represents a useful option for the tourists.
Meanwhile, Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke expects England to turn to Steve Harmison in their attempt to stage a repeat of 2005 this summer.
Harmison was left out of England's 16-man training squad for the five-Test series but the selectors offered the Durham paceman a glimmer of hope by including him in the Lions team to face the tourists from 1-4 July.
After a slow start to the season, Harmison's recent form has been excellent, returning match figures of seven for 103 in Durham's recent win over Warwickshire.
Clarke, who struggled against Harmison when England prevailed 2-1 four years ago, said: "Harmison and Andrew Flintoff are both fantastic cricketers, and I think England would want them fully fit and taking part in this series.
"We want to beat England at their best, and I hope for their sake they're both fully fit and ready to perform if they get that opportunity."
