McGrath not to throw in his hat before Boxing Day Test

Australia look set to go into next month’s opening cricket Test against India with an under-strength pace attack after pace spearhead G...

Australia look set to go into next month’s opening cricket Test against India with an under-strength pace attack after pace spearhead Glenn McGrath today said that he is yet to regain full fitness. McGrath said he will miss the opening two Tests against Saurav Ganguly’s team and is aiming to return in time for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne after an ankle surgery.

Fellow speedster Brett Lee also remains in doubt with abdominal and ankle problems and is unlikely to be selected for the opening Test at the Gabba, starting on December 4. Both were assessed by team physiotherapist Errol Allcott over the weekend with neither given a clean bill of health. McGrath, who last played in August against Bangladesh, is targeting New South Wales’ one-day match on Saturday against Tasmania in Hobart as his comeback, but doubted he could back-up for five-day cricket.

‘‘I think it’s a little bit early for the first two Tests but I would love to be playing them,’’ McGrath said today. ‘‘If all goes well I’ll hopefully play a few games for NSW and be available for selection for the Boxing Day Test.’’

The Australian selectors will tomorrow choose a 12-man squad for the first Test. They are likely to retain Brad Williams and left-armer Nathan Bracken if Lee is ruled out, after their impressive performances in India. Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said opener Matthew Hayden is not in doubt despite being ordered to rest a niggling foot injury instead of playing for Queensland against South Australia this week.

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	Injured Lehmann out

			Press trust of India Sydney, november 24 Aussie middle-order batsman Darren Lehmann has been ruled out of the four-Test series against India due to an achilles tendon injury. ‘‘I’m naturally disappointed with the knowledge that I’ll be watching this series from the sidelines, but I’m determined to get back to full fitness as quickly as possible, with a view to being right again in early January,’’ Lehmann said. ‘‘Obviously the VB Series is now my target, but there’s a lot of hard work to do before then to ensure I am 100 per cent fit. It’s been a frustrating period given that I’ve had to wear a protective boot since October, but I’m pleased that I can now get on with my rehabilitation and work towards a return to the squad,’’ he said looking forward to the one-day series between India, Australia and Zimbabwe. Lehmann, who has been undertaking enforced rest since suffering the injury to his left achilles in early October, was reviewed today by Sydney-based foot and ankle specialist, Dr Martin Sullivan. The player will now undergo an intense rehabilitation programme with a view to returning to first-class cricket in early January.