Ashes 2015: Brad Haddin set to miss second test due to personal reasons

Australia wicket-keeper Brad Haddin is expected to miss the second Ashes test at Lord's against England due to personal reasons after being absent from training ahead of the game.

The 37 year old watched from the Lord's balcony as the tourists began preparations for the second test, with the uncapped Peter Nevill taking full part in training 48 hours before the match.

Though the specific reasons behind Haddin's withdrawal have not been confirmed, his omission from Australian training indicates the New South Wales-born player is preparing to sit out the match.

Haddin performed poorly during the 169-run defeat to England at Cardiff that saw Alastair Cook's side go 1-0 up in the series, scoring 22 and seven with the bat and dropping centurion Joe Root on the first morning of the match while he also conceded 24 byes.

Though the expected absence of Haddin does not spell the end of his international career after 66 tests, 126 one-day internationals and 23 T20 matches, Australia will be handed a glimpse into the future in the form of Nevill.

The 29 year old has never been capped at international level but averages 44.29 with the bat in first class cricket, with a highest score of 235 not out. Nevill scored 78 and 12 in the three-day warm-up match against Essex as he deputised for Haddin.

Concerns over Haddin are the latest selection worries for Australia ahead of the second test, with bowler Mitchell Starc and all-rounder Shane Watson both doubtful.

Starc suffered an ankle injury in Cardiff but trained on 14 July, while Watson's form has been heavily scrutinised after he was dismissed lbw for the 29<sup>th time in his test career in the second innings.

"We need to perform better with bat and ball," bowler Peter Siddle said. "Our standards over the last couple of years have been high quality but we let that slip in Cardiff.

"What we have been is very consistent with our bowling and our line and length but we were not anywhere near our normal high standards – and that showed.

"But the boys are upbeat and want to turn things around – I can see a different contest this week.

"I remember in 1997 we lost the first test and still won the Ashes. We will be playing strong and aggressive cricket and we will be looking to level the series."