Cook, Broad, Pietersen rested

Perth - Captain Alastair Cook, Stuart Broad and Kevin Pietersen will be rested for England's opening match of its Australian Ashes tour, a three-day game against the Western Australia Chairman's XI.

Cook has a back ailment while Pietersen only arrived in Australia on Sunday after being given compassionate leave following the death of a friend in South Africa.

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior will captain the side in the absence of Cook at the WACA Ground starting on Thursday.

The first Test against Australia begins November 21 in Brisbane.

England, which won the most recent series at home 3-0, is attempting to win its fourth consecutive Ashes series.