Marsh to replace Watson in Australia's second Ashes Test team

London, July 15 -  All-rounder Shane Watson has been dropped for the second Ashes Test and will be replaced by Mitchell Marsh.

After performing poorly in the first Test, Australia seek to hit back in the second to be played at the Lord's cricket ground from Thursday. Australia crashed to a 169-run defeat against England in the first Test in Cardiff last week.

Watson will be one of two changes to the Australian side for the second Test, with veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin withdrawing for personal reasons and replaced by debutant Peter Nevill, reports by theage.com.

The 34-year-old was out leg before wicket twice in the match, for 30 and 19. The manner of his dismissal suggested that the England's bowlers simply know how to get him out.

Watson has been struggling for form with the bat for a prolonged period of time. The move could terminate the 34-year-old's Test career.

Mitchell Starc will start at Lord's after undergoing a painless training session on Tuesday, having suffered an ankle injury in Cardiff.

Australia have kept pacer Peter Siddle on standby if the left-arm quick withdraws late from the match.

The Australia team for second Test: 

Michael Clarke (captain), David Warner, Chris Rogers, Steve Smith, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon. 

(IANS)