Ponting backs fitter MacGill

While Shane Warne wonders if Ricky Ponting will call him into action for the Ashes, the captain has revealed his faith in Stuart MacGill is so strong he expects him to tour England next year. On Thursday MacGill, 37, will re-start his Test career after wrist surgery and Ponting is confident he will solve Australia's slow bowling problems.

"If his body stays right there is no doubt that he is the best wicket-taking spinner in Australia," Ponting said in the Australian. "So if he keeps himself fit and has the desire and passion to keep playing cricket then I'm pretty sure he would be good enough to get the Ashes job done."

Warne said he would consider a return only if "Stuey MacGill fell over and broke his leg, and there were no other spinners around". In 2007-08 MacGill was limping a lot due to an injured knee and he also missed much of the season due to carpal tunnel syndrome.

He came back for the last two games of New South Wales' Pura Cup campaign and impressed with seven wickets in the tour match against a Jamaica XI. West Indies are traditionally poor players of wrist spin and MacGill will have his first look at them at Sabina Park from Thursday.

"Full credit to him, he looks a lot fitter and has obviously lost a lot of weight," Ponting said. "Last year he really battled but he is moving around a lot better now."