Sydney, Jan. 16 : Australian Test opener Phil Jaques has delayed his return to action by a further week after experiencing discomfort in his back during training.

Jaques, who missed the entire Test summer after undergoing surgery for a bulging disc, was due to return to the crease in grade cricket for Sutherland this weekend.

"Phil experienced a small amount of discomfort after a training session during the week, as a result of which his surgeon recommended allowing an extra week for recovery," Cricket NSW said in a statement.

Melbourne, Jan 14 : A poll conducted among Australian cricket fans has thrown up Phil Jacques to be the favourite to replace Matthew Hayden alongside Simon Katich at the top of the batting order.

Of the 1,384 people who voted, 38 per cent preferred the New South Wales batsman to Chris Rogers (15 per cent), Shaun Marsh (14 per cent), or any other opener (33 per cent), according to The Australian online poll.

Sydney, Jan. 8 : Forgotten Australian opener Phil Jaques has declared that he is available to return for next month''s tour of South Africa.

With Hayden showing no signs of retirement, Jaques, 29, declared his availability for the crunch tour as he tries to return from back surgery on a bulging disc.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the left-hander thinks he has the runs on the board after scoring 108 in his last Test against the West Indies in Barbados last year.

He will play club cricket next week and then return to the first-class scene when NSW play Tasmania in Newcastle on January 30.

If his back shows no signs of more problems, Jaques appears a must-have selection for South Africa after averaging 47 in his 11 Tests.