Australia bowler Ryan Harris is to undergo a designed fitness plan aimed at having him in prime condition for this summer's Ashes.
The 35-year-old was second in Australia's bowling averages in both of the back-to-back Ashes series of 2013-14, taking 24 wickets at 19.58 in defeat in England and 22 at 19.31 as the urn was won Down Under.
But he has been badly affected by injuries throughout his career and suffered a knee problem that caused him to miss last year's series against Pakistan.
Harris was left out of the World Cup squad and will now have his workload managed for the first half of this year to have him ready to face England once more.
He will not feature again in the Sheffield Shield with Queensland Bulls and will work with Cricket Australia's national performance squad thereafter.
Cricket Australia executive general manager, team performance, Pat Howard said: "With Ryan, our number-one priority is to ensure he is 100 per cent fit and available for this winter's Ashes series.
"He has had a heavy bowling workload over the past couple of months and by giving him this structured programme to rehabilitate his knee, improve his physical conditioning and gradually build his bowling workload, we can ensure he is absolutely ready for the Ashes tour.
"Ryan is keen to play as much cricket as he can but he is fully understanding and appreciative of the thought that has gone into this decision. Queensland Cricket is also completely supportive of the decision and we are very grateful for everyone seeing that bigger picture."
Harris agreed: "I want to play as much cricket as I can as I know you are a long time retired but I recognise this is the best approach to ensuring I am absolutely right for the Ashes.
"I have huge ambitions to help us win a series in the United Kingdom and that goal is something that will drive me on over the coming months."