Cowan replaces injured Marsh for Australia A

Shaun Marsh has lost his race to be fit for Australia A's game against England at Hobart that starts on Wednesday, and has been replaced by Ed Cowan.

Marsh was originally named in the squad for the final warm-up match before Brisbane in the hope that he'd recover from an injury he picked up in the one-day series against Sri Lanka.

"Shaun was originally selected in the Australia A squad subject to fitness after injuring his lower back during the Commonwealth Bank Series against Sri Lanka," said Cricket Australia physiotherapist Kevin Sims.

"Unfortunately that injury hasn't healed well enough for him to take part in this tour match for Australia A against England. We will continue to monitor Shaun's return to fitness."

Cowan, the 28-year-old Tasmania opener, comes into the squad after making 65 against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield earlier this week and chairman of selectors Andrew Hildreth said it's a chance for him to press his claims.

"It's unfortunate that Shaun's injury hasn't healed well enough in time for this match, however it provides Ed Cowan with a fantastic opportunity," said Hildreth. "Ed performed well for Australia A during the off season against Sri Lanka A in Queensland and has continued that good form for Tasmania so far this season."