MacGill tipped as likely replacement for Warne

SYDNEY, Jan 7 (Reuters) Australia may look to Stuart MacGill to fill the void left by Shane Warne's retirement.

While Warne's departure gives Australia the chance to start grooming a new spinner for the future, selectors say the experienced MacGill may yet be the best choice.

Having played second-fiddle to Warne throughout his entire career, MacGill has still managed to play 40 tests and captured an impressive 198 wickets.

Andrew Hilditch, Australia's chairman of selectors, said MacGill had proven himself over a long period of time and was the obvious replacement for Warne, providing he was still playing well when Australia's next test series starts in November.

''There is no doubt that it's going to be a difficult hole to fill because (Warne has) been so great over such a long time and has won so many test matches for us,'' Hilditch told reporters today.

''We've been really lucky to have had MacGill. He has been a really good test leg-spinner and he's going to come into contention at the start of the next series.

''If he's fit and bowling well, he is obviously the person to look for.'' Hilditch's comments were a reassuring boost to MacGill after he was left out of the fifth Ashes test at the spin-friendly Sydney Cricket Ground, prompting speculation his international career might be over.

But Hilditch said MacGill was only overlooked because of the outstanding form of Australia's three seamers, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Stuart Clark, and the inclusion of all-rounder Andrew Symonds.

''The reason Stuart didn't play was because we wanted to go with the three-pronged pace attack, which was really instrumental in us regaining the Ashes,'' Hilditch said.

''England has a far better batting side than they showed and that's because of our bowling.'' REUTERS SAM BD1616