AUSTRALIA: CRICKET - Preview of England and Australian teams as they prepare for the second test in Adelaid; Press conference by England and Australian captains Andrew Flintoff and Ricky Ponting

Australian paceman Glen McGrath's participation in the second Ashes test against England starting in Adelaide on Friday (December 1) has been thrown into doubt because of foot problems. He spent time with therapist Alex Kountouris discussing a troublesome blister on his left heel. McGrath was troubled by the problem during the first test in Brisbane and the short break between the first two tests has left the fast bowler short on recovery time. Australian bowlers Shawn Tait and Mitchel Johnson are on standby in case of McGrath being ruled out. Australia captain Ricky Ponting said on Thursday that a decision on McGrath's inclusion would not be made until just before the commencement of play, although he was confident that the problem would not stop the bowler. "You would pretty much have to amputate his foot I reckon for him not to be out there in this game. He was in a lot of pain last game and (we) just got him injected and got on with it. So he has been and seen a podiatrist yesterday morning who has done a fair bit of work with him and changed up his inner soles in his shoes and everything like that to take a bit of the pressure away from it, so hopefully he comes through with flying colours today," said Ponting. The captain acknowledged that Australia could not afford to have McGrath less than fully fit, given they will take only four bowlers into the match because of the hamstring strain which ruled out allrounder Shane Watson. "We obviously aren't going to be able to go into the test match with him unless he is 100 percent and we can rely upon him, you know, being able to get right through the game and at his best. That is as simple as it can be I guess," said Ponting. The injury revives unpleasant memories for Australia of the last Ashes series when McGrath was sidelined through injury and England turned around a first test loss to win the series. England team captain Andrew Flintoff said on Thursday that his team was feeling more confident after a few days solid training. "This week, the way we have practiced has been fantastic. I think everyone realises we are better than what we did last week, we are a better side than that and the nets have been, you know, unbelievably competitive. You know, Kevin (Pieterson) came out of the net yesterday and said it was like batting in a test match the bowlers were keen to prove that they are better than what they have shown," said Flintoff. Australia lead the five-match series 1-0 after their convincing 277-run victory in Brisbane. England are likely to make at least one change to their bowling lineup after their attack badly misfired in Brisbane, conceding more than 800 runs for just 10 wickets in the match. England will consider adding left-arm spinner Monty Panesar, possibly at the expense of James Anderson.

ITN Source | November 30, 2006

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