MacGill loses ban appeal and misses key Ashes lead-up

Stuart MacGill will miss the chance to press for Ashes selection after his appeal against a two-week ban for disorderly and improper conduct was dismissed late on Monday.

As a result, MacGill will be unavailable for New South Wales, who play Queensland in a four-day game this week at the Gabba, the venue for the opening Test against England on November 23.

This week's fixture was seen as a crucial audition for Ashes selection but MacGill was suspended until November 2 for breaching the code of conduct after a verbal clash with an umpire at a Sydney club game a week ago.

Nevertheless, it is unlikely that Australia will take two legspinners into the opening Ashes Test with Shane Warne locking up the spinner's role on a pitch that is normally conducive to swing and seam bowling.