Stuart MacGill has been given a month to get fit for Australia's Test series against India - or risk losing his place.
Struggling leg-spinner must improve, coach warns
Stuart MacGill has been given a month to get into shape for Australia's demanding four-Test series against India.
MacGill, who has been plagued by hand and knee injuries, must prove his fitness or face losing his place in the team, Australia coach Tim Nielsen has warned.
The struggling leg-spinner came under scrutiny during his side's 2-0 win over Sri Lanka, taking just five wickets in the series at an average of 65.20, and bowling a string of full tosses and long-hops.
Nielsen has backed MacGill, but expects an improvement in both his form and fitness before the first Test against India starts in Melbourne on 26 December.
"I think he realises that he has got some work to do physically to get himself up to a level, which is going to allow him to play back-to-back test matches," Nielsen said.
"We play back-to-back test matches all through the summer and if you can't physically cope... there is no way they can give themselves the best chance of executing their skills to the level they need to be successful.
"Stuey came off surgery six weeks ago so he's really working hard to get that right and we're encouraging him to get as fit as he possibly can and maintain his work on his skills."
Concerns
Captain Ricky Ponting also admitted there were concerns about MacGill's fitness, but said he still regarded his team-mate as Australia's best spinner, following Shane Warne's retirement.
"There is no doubt he has carried a few things through this game with his finger and his knee giving him a few troubles," Ponting said of MacGill's performance against Sri Lanka.
"He has got a few weeks to get his body in the best shape he possibly can.
"If he gets his body right and he's fit, then I think he will probably be the number one choice spinner."
Australia had few problems completing a series whitewash over Sri Lanka, but expect India to pose a bigger challenge.