McGrath undecided on Champions Trophy participation

Sydney, May 4 (UNI) Australian pace spearhead Glenn McGrath wants to make his comeback in the Champions Trophy in India but said he would consider playing domestic cricket in the run up to Ashes if the team management wants that way.

''Personally, I feel that it would be perfect for me to (play in the Champions Trophy) and have a couple of games in the Pura Cup,'' McGrath said.

''That's my plan. But if they would prefer me to look at county cricket, I would look at that,'' the 36-year-old speedster was quoted as saying by Herald-Sun.

But if Australia reaches the semi-finals of Champions Trophy, which it has never won, he won't feature in the Pura Cup.

McGrath has not played cricket since his wife Jane was re-diagnosed with cancer in February.

He missed tours of South Africa and Bangladesh to be by her side but, with Jane making steady improvement, McGrath has started pre-season training to lead Australia's bid to reclaim the Ashes.

The world's highest wicket-taking paceman said he is certain to lead Australia's charge to regain the Ashes beginning in November but has yet to decide how best to finetune his preparation.

''I've got no doubts at all that I will be definitely ready to go. Now we have got to see what the best preparation is.'' Selection chairman Andrew Hilditch said this week McGrath was ''gearing himself up'' to be ready for the Champions Trophy, but captain Ricky Ponting has advised him to bypass the Indian trip and prepare for the Ashes with a stint in English county cricket from where he got many of offers.

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