Hussey said Australia's prospects of retaining the Ashes had received a boost with the news England batsman Kevin Pietersen would miss the remainder of the series after undergoing Achilles surgery.

BBC: Lee doubtful for Edgbaston Test

Besides West, George Hill (14.8) and Roy Hibbert (14.4) also average more points per game in the playoffs than Wade, a possible advantage as Indiana presumably will aim to let anyone but James beat them for the remainder of the series.

WSJ: Is LeBron James Carrying Too Much of the Load?

The all-rounder sustained a calf injury during the second one-day defeat in Hobart and was ruled out for the remainder of the series, along with off-spinner Graeme Swann.

BBC: Australia's Shane Watson set for Brisbane return