Aussies suffer Harris blow

Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris's hopes of being fit for next week's first Ashes Test suffered a blow on Wednesday with a recurrence of the knee trouble that has blighted his career.

The setback ruled him out of the team's final warm-up match against Essex.

Although officials labelled Harris's latest injury as nothing more serious than "soreness" it may well be enough to keep him out of the side when Australia launch their defence of the Ashes on July 8.

Harris missed Australia's recent series win in the West Indies in order to be present for the birth of his child.