Rain threatens to continue disrupting Australia's preparations for next week's second Ashes cricket Test against England.

Showers and a sodden ground meant the side cancelled its training session in Worcester on Thursday, and more bad weather is forecast over the three days of the county match, which starts on Saturday.

The match against Worcestershire is Australia's last hit-out before back-to-back Tests at Edgbaston and Old Trafford.

The second Test starts next Thursday.

As expected, Australia rested five of its stars from the first Test win at Lord's - bowlers Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Shane Warne, wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist and batsman Damien Martyn.

The five squad members who did not play at Lord's will all play at the New Road ground.

Batsman Brad Hodge and fast bowler Shaun Tait will get their first matches of the tour, while back-up gloveman Brad Haddin plays just his second, having played against Somerset six weeks ago.

Worcestershire's bowling attack includes England fringe players Gareth Batty and Kabir Ali, and Zimbabwean spinner Ray Price, but Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar will not play.

Shoaib is understood to be suffering from minor thigh and calf injuries.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (capt), Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Brad Hodge, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Shaun Tait, Stuart MacGill.

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