MacGill may retire if not selected for India series: Waugh

Sydney, Nov 28 (UNI) Former Australian batsman Mark Waugh feels leg-spinner Stuart MacGill, who is contemplating a knee surgery, might retire from international cricket if he is not selected for the first Test against India beginning December 26 in Melbourne.

''I have a feeling he would call it a day,'' Waugh, who has the same manager as MacGill, told the Herald Sun.

''I think he is 50-50 at the moment, just getting vibes through different people. Who knows what he is thinking? But just from the outside, I think he is on the cusp of retiring. But if he gets himself fit and gets some wickets there, that will re-energise him and he could go for a couple of years.'' Australian media had earlier reported that MacGill was all set for a career-saving surgery, but the report said no decision has been made and he has not yet had scans or visited a surgeon.

But, MacGill, who is also editing a film for his new food and wine show, is said to have sent a series of text messages ''I am prepared to take any route necessary to play again at the peak of my powers.'' ''If I have to miss part of this season, so be it.'' The newspaper also said Australian team doctors Trefor James and John Orchard, team manager Steve Bernard, Cricket Australia officials and New South Wales chairman of selectors Brian Taber had denied any knowledge of a potentially season-ending surgery.

Surgery will most likely rule MacGill out of the first two Tests against India in Melbourne and Sydney. He could be back for the Perth and Adelaide Tests.

However, even if he proves his fitness for the first Test, the selectors might look into the option of playing four pacers on a bouncy MCG track against the Indians, who many Australians feel are suspect against genuine pace.

That would mean Brett Lee, Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson could be joined by either Shaun Tait or Ben Hilfenhaus. Andrew Symonds and Michael Clarke can be used part-time spinners.

UNI