FORMER Lancashire and Bolton professional Ronnie Irani will captain England for the first time when the tourists take on a Bradman XI in a one-day warm-up match.

But Australia Test skipper Steve Waugh has withdrawn from the match because of a groin strain suffered while bowling during the final Ashes Test, won by England.

All-rounder Irani, who captains Essex, has had a disappointing tour so far, scoring five runs and taking just a single wicket in four one-day internationals.

This final warm-up match will be played at the Bowral Oval, in the New South Wales town where Sir Don Bradman grew up.

England, who resume the one-day VB Series against Australia in Hobart on Saturday have collected two wins in four matches, but they are yet to beat the host nation.

Australian team physio Errol Alcott said Waugh's injury was just a minor strain.

"It was felt prudent for him to miss the match to avoid the risk of increasing the severity of the injury," Alcott continued.

Waugh is currently considering his international cricket future and said on Tuesday that he expected to reach a decision in the next two weeks.

The 37-year-old is still expected to attend the match as the Bradman XI is captained by his twin brother Mark.

The England side will consist mainly of the one-day specialists not involved in the Test series.

The five players who took part in the first half of the VB Series, but who do not feature in the World Cup squad, remain with the team.

The group are made up of spinners Gareth Batty and Jeremy Snape, all-rounder Adam Hollioake, fast bowler James Kirtley and batsman Owais Shah.

Of the World Cup 15, Andrew Flintoff, Ashley Giles and Craig White are yet to prove their fitness.

The home side includes the long-retired Mike Whitney, 41, as vice-captain.

Former Test opener Michael Slater and current international spinner Stuart MacGill are also in the squad.

The entire team is made up of New South Welshmen with the exception of Tasmania captain Jamie Cox.

Bradman XI (from): Mark Waugh (captain), Mike Whitney, Douglas Bollinger, Shawn Bradstreet, Jamie Cox, Brad Haddin, Simon Katich, Stuart MacGill, Greg Mail, Michael Slater, Dominic Thornely, Nathan Pilon.

England (from): Ronnie Irani (capt), James Anderson, Ian Blackwell, Andrew Caddick, Paul Collingwood, Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Nick Knight, Alec Stewart, Marcus Trescothick, Michael Vaughan, Gareth Batty, Jeremy Snape, Adam Hollioake, James Kirtley, Owais Shah.