Australian middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb has signed with English County side Leicestershire for the opening two months of the campaign.
The 31-year-old, who wasn't part of the touring 2019 side to England, will have this block to press his case for a spot in the Australian XI, having scored 145 runs at an average of 29 during the recent Indian series.
Handscomb fills in for Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who isn't available because of his commitment to the upcoming Indian Premier League with the Chennai Super Kings.
Handscomb will join Leicestershire after Victoria's Sheffield Shield final against Western Australia.
It has been confirmed Tasmanian left-handed batsman Caleb Jewell will replace Handscomb in Australia A's squad to tour New Zealand.
In a short statement, a CA spokesperson affirmed the news to ESPN.
"Players with upcoming County Cricket deals were not considered for Australia A selection as they will already be subject to English conditions prior to the Ashes," they said.
Handscomb is familiar with English conditions having played for Durham, Gloucestershire, Middlesex, and Yorkshire.
Meanwhile, Australian opening batsman Cameron Bancroft and off-spinner Todd Murphy are expected to play in the upcoming County season with Yorkshire and Durham respectively in preparation for the Ashes.
As are Australian star batsman Marnus Labuschagne (Glamorgan) and Steven Smith (Middlesex), who will feature in the early part of the County season in preparation to adjust to the English conditions.
