North illness adds to Australia's concerns

Australia were struck by another fitness concern ahead of the Leeds Test after Marcus North failed to train on Monday due to a stomach upset. Ben Hilfenhaus did not bowl during the practice session as he continues to recover from a shoulder problem picked up during the Lord's Test.

Although the Australians remain hopeful that both North and Hilfenhaus will be fine by the start of the match on Wednesday, Peter George and Usman Khawaja will be keeping a close eye on the pair. George would be in line for a debut if Hilfenhaus sat out, while the uncapped Khawaja is the only backup batsman in the squad.

If North was to sit out, it wouldn't be the first Test he had missed due to illness; a bout of gastro ruled him out in Cape Town last year and allowed Bryce McGain to make his debut. The Australians have called Clint McKay in as a cover player but the physio Alex Kountouris is still working with Hilfenhaus, who is hoping to play.

"I don't think he bowled today, he's still seeing the physio but he's certainly improving," the vice-captain Michael Clarke said. "Fingers crossed, hopefully he'll be right come day one of the Test match.

"He's had a few niggles over the last couple of years of his career. He'll be disappointed if he misses the Test match but he's in good hands with Alex, he knows what's going on and has spent a lot of time with Hilfy over the last year or so. I think he'll get him on the park. If he misses out it gives someone else an opportunity."

Australia have handed out plenty of baggy greens over the past two and a half years, with 17 debutants since the start of 2008. Tim Paine and Steven Smith were the latest additions to that list at Lord's, and time will tell if George or Khawaja join them on this trip.