Australia also have concerns over the form of Mitchell Johnson and will field a team dominated by seam bowlers at Northampton.

BBC: Lee doubtful for Edgbaston Test

The three-time Open champion is well down the field on two under and is frustrated by his up-and-down form.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | Hanell ahead in Hong Kong

O'Gara made little impression during Friday night's 25-3 defeat by France but Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan denied the off-field distractions are affecting his form.

BBC: 'Despicable' rumours anger O'Gara

As to the second, the best idea is to introduce some form of collective scrutiny of the qualifications of the candidate field, of the kind begun years ago by the committee of ministers' deputies in Strasbourg.

ECONOMIST: How to choose a judge