MacGill in Ashes spin over club ban

Stuart MacGill may be unavailable for selection for next month's first Ashes Test after a clash with an umpire in a Sydney club match earned him a two-week ban. MacGill has been suspended until November 2, which will rule him out of crucial domestic matches against Queensland at the Gabba this week and could affect the selectors' decisions for the first Test starting on November 23.

Cricket NSW has put together a judicial panel for MacGill to appeal the ban, which he is contesting on the severity of the sentence. The matter is expected to heard on Monday night. Time is running out with the NSW team scheduled to leave for Brisbane on Tuesday morning.

MacGill pleaded guilty to disorderly and improper conduct after being charged for breaching the code of conduct while playing for Sydney University last weekend. It's unlikely that Australia will take two legspinners into the opening Ashes Test at Brisbane, with Shane Warne locking up the fourth bowling spot on a pitch normally conducive to swing bowling. However, MacGill lists the ground as one of his favourites due to the extra bounce the surface provides.