November 19 Tuesday 2002
McGrath looks forward to bowling with Gillespie

ADELAIDE, Australia: Australian spearhead Glenn McGrath is looking forward to bowling with new-ball partner Jason Gillespie in Thursday's second Ashes cricket Test against England at the Adelaide Oval.

The English, slammed by 384 runs in last week's Gabba Test opener, face another thorough examination if Gillespie is declared fit to play. The 27-year-old Gillespie will bowl in the nets on Tuesday as he tries to convince team medical officials and selectors his troublesome calf muscle is ready for another Test match.

He battled through discomfort to play a decisive role in Australia's crushing win in the opening Test at the Gabba, combining with McGrath to torment England's top order during the tourists' dismal second innings of 79.

"Jason and I have formed a pretty good combination," McGrath said here on Monday. "He gets good bounce, is pretty accurate and he's a bit quicker than I am. "If he builds up pressure like he has done, and can take early wickets like we have done together, it really puts the pressure back on them."

Gillespie's strike rate of one wicket every 41.6 balls against England is the best of any bowler to take more than 35 wickets against the Ashes foe. McGrath (42.44) is fourth, behind South African Bert Vogler (42.27) and Australian JJ Ferris (42.29), whose Test careers have been finished for a century. McGrath expects England to lift their 
performance after they fought back for a draw against Australia A in Hobart on Sunday.