The clock is ticking for Australia’s selectors, who have one day up their sleeve before tomorrow’s naming of a squad for the first Ashes Test starting at the Gabba on November 21.

Cricket Australia announced yesterday skipper Michael Clarke and pacemen Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle will miss this week’s Sheffield Shield round.

Clarke has played two consecutive Shield games, but has an ongoing back problem and selectors are taking no chances, while Siddle and Harris are also in cotton wool as Australia cope with a run of injuries to their pace bowlers.

Queenslander Ben Cutting is emerging as a bolter for the 13-man Test squad, expected to be led by Harris, Siddle and Mitchell Johnson.

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Instead of playing for their states, the skipper, Harris and Siddle will head to Cricket Australia’s new high performance centre in Brisbane to continue preparing for the opening Test at the Gabba starting on November 21.

Australian team coach Darren Lehmann said the decision to keep Clarke out of NSW’s Shield clash with Queensland in Brisbane was a “sensible” precaution.

“We’re very pleased with Michael’s preparation ahead of the first Test,” he said.

“The plan for his Ashes build-up was to play two Sheffield Shield matches, which he has done successfully.

“He has spent valuable time in the middle batting and fielding.

“Importantly his back has coped well in both matches, but we will continue to take a sensible and cautious approach to managing him.

Harris has been made unavailable for the Queensland team to play NSW while Siddle is ruled out of Victoria’s team to play Tasmania.

“On the fast bowling front, Ryan and Peter are both in great condition,” said Lehmann.

“As part of their management plan, they will continue their preparation under the guidance national coaching staff in Brisbane over the coming days.”

The Australian squad for the first Test will be announced on Tuesday.