Ryan Harris’ hopes of playing the first Ashes Test have been effectively dashed, with the veteran paceman unable to face Essex this week due to knee soreness.

Harris skipped the recent West Indies tour due to the birth of his child and returned to the Australian XI against Kent in Canterbury.

The 35-year-old snared four wickets in that tour game and was slated to play in the side’s final tune-up before the Ashes starts on July 8 in Cardiff.

However, Harris pulled up sore and was ordered to rest.

Meanwhile, Essex captain Ravi Bopara won the toss on Wednesday and sent Australia in.

Australia XI in tour game: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Michael Clarke, Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Mitch Marsh, Peter Nevill, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.