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Australian captain Ricky Ponting, vice-captain Michael Clarke and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin will all skip the three-day tour match in Northampton.
They have been given time to freshen up before the third Ashes Test in Birmingham starting on Thursday.
The decision to rest the star trio for the fixture against Northamptonshire opens up a number of selection options for the tourists before the Edgbaston Test.
Brett Lee is only an outside chance of being fit to return from his side strain and there is a strong possibility either Ben Hilfenhaus or Peter Siddle will be rested.
Australia (likely 12-man squad): Phil Hughes, Simon Katich, Mike Hussey, Marcus North, Shane Watson, Andrew McDonald, Graham Manou, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Stuart Clark, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Hauritz.
