Rain denied Australia another look at duelling pacemen Michael Kasprowicz and Shaun Tait in the lead-up to the fourth Ashes Test which starts on Thursday at Trent Bridge.

Kasprowicz and Tait are competing to replace Jason Gillespie in the Test side but they and the rest of the squad were frustrated by a rainy Monday in Nottingham.

The Australians hope to train Tuesday and at least better weather is forecast.

Tait and Kasprowicz provide chalk and cheese bowling options and, while both bowled well in the drawn two-day game against Northamptonshire, it is likely to be team balance that dictates who replaces Gillespie.

Veteran opener Justin Langer gave Kasprowicz a strong endorsement when he hinted the Queenslander's ability to bowl long spells and trouble left-handers might give him the edge over the uncapped Tait, who is an out and out express bowler.

"It's really important, you always talk about balance," Langer said.

"You've got someone like Brett Lee in your side, who's an out and out strike bowler, and he's got the pace - you've got to be careful you get the balance right.

"We've been lucky we've got two of the best ever at the other end, but no doubt the big question will come down to balance rather than talent in the next few days."

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