McGrath must play before South Africa tour

Ricky Ponting has called for an experienced bowler to be added to the Test side if Glenn McGrath does not tour South Africa next month. McGrath has been told by the selectors he must appear for New South Wales to be considered for the series and with his wife Jane receiving cancer treatment he is an unlikely starter, giving Michael Kasprowicz and Jason Gillespie hope of a recall.

"It makes it a lot more difficult to have to play a match before the team selection, which cuts down my time by quite a lot," he told Sydney radio station 2KY. "I think in all fairness that makes it quite difficult to make the Test tour. We'll see how things go. My priority is Jane and cricket has taken a back seat." McGrath's main chance to prove his availability would be in the New South Wales-Tasmania Pura Cup match scheduled for March 2.

The Australia one-day squad left for South Africa today and Ponting indicated he would like either Gillespie or Kasprowicz, who are currently facing eachother at the Gabba, for the three-match series. "We're going to need some experienced guys back in the Test side if Glenn doesn't come back, so I'm sure their names will be at the top of the list," Ponting told AAP.

Gillespie collected 5 for 40 in Queensland's first innings on Sunday, taking his tally to 30 Pura Cup wickets this summer, while Kasprowicz had only 1 for 45 as the Bulls claimed first-innings points. Ponting said neither bowler was being overlooked.

"It's great to see Jason amongst the wickets again," Ponting said. "He's doing everything in his power. He's keeping his name up there in front of the selectors and all reports are that he is travelling pretty well and bowling well. And Kasper's been exactly the same."

The first Test starts on March 16 at Cape Town and follows the five-match one-day series beginning on Sunday. McGrath said his wife's treatment was going well and that she was a "fighter". "I haven't written off the South Africa Test series yet," he said. "It was a goal of Jane's that I go on that, but it's not a huge priority at the moment for me."