McGrath steps up Ashes fitness bid

SYDNEY, July 26 (Reuters) Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath underwent a practice session watched by national coach John Buchanan today as he steps up his bid to be fit for the Ashes starting in November.

McGrath, who has not represented his country since January after taking time off to help his wife Jane in her battle against cancer, said he was keen to play in the Champions Trophy one-day tournament in India in October.

''If I go on past experience whenever we've played in India leading into a season, I have always come back to Australia and bowled really well straight away,'' the 36-year-old told reporters in Brisbane.

''For fast bowlers India is the ultimate still. It's a great place to prepare, that would be my first choice.'' McGrath said he had no problem with the possibility of England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff playing for New South Wales to help him recover from an ankle injury in time to play in the Ashes series starting in November.

''I have no problem with that,'' he said. ''I went over to England and played county cricket for Middlesex when I was coming back from the ankle -- it works both ways.'' McGrath, third on the all-time list with 542 wickets in 119 tests, has not been impressed with England's form since they beat Australia last year for the first time since 1987.

''Since the Ashes I have been disappointed with them,'' he said.

''I thought they would have come out and beaten everyone home and away and I don't think they have actually won a series since then.

''They prefer to be the underdogs going into the series but I am sure they will step up.'' Reuters AY GC1256