Maher on verge of wicketkeeping role for Australia

BRISBANE, Jan 13 AAP - Jimmy Maher could fill the role of Australian wicketkeeper in the next fortnight if selectors rest a weary Adam Gilchrist before the World Cup defence in Africa.

Maher will be the back-up 'keeper in Australia's 15-man World Cup squad but he could take the gloves before the end of the triangular one-day series against England and Sri Lanka as Gilchrist copes with a heavy workload.

Gilchrist admitted today he may miss one of Australia's final three qualifying matches, probably after Wednesday's clash with Sri Lanka at the Gabba, giving Maher the chance to keep.

The Queenslander practised with the gloves at the Gabba today and it's understood he would be preferred to Australia A gloveman Ryan Campbell simply because he would need the practice before next month's World Cup.

If Gilchrist misses a match in Africa because of a minor injury or fatigue, he can only be replaced from among the Australian squad and there is no logical replacement except for Maher.

The 28-year-old borrowed gloves to train in today but he'll have to find a set quickly if Gilchrist rests from Sunday's clash with England in Adelaide or next Tuesday's match against Sri Lanka in Melbourne before the finals series.

"There could possibly be a game that I do miss. It's just trying to work out what game it would be," Gilchrist said today.

"There are a number of guys starting to feel some tiredness building up.

"In an ideal world, everyone would be able to say 'let's have a week off, go away and freshen up and come back' but that's not the scenario so we just have to adjust.

"(Maher) may as well get some good practice under his belt now and start working on it, rather than one day asking 'who is going to do it?'.

"It's a chance to lay a foundation in practice now."

Maher kept for Queensland in a back-up role in a one-day match six years ago and the versatile batsman has been recognised as one of the Bulls' better fielders.

Indian batsman Rahul Dravid has kept in 36 of his 195 one-day international matches and Australian Test opener Justin Langer deputised for Ian Healy in four matches in 1994.

Maher could also be considered for Gilchrist's opening role if he replaced the West Australian but Gilchrist has no intention of surrendering the role on a permanent basis despite recent speculation.

Some commentators have again floated the idea of Gilchrist - a punishing batsman at No 7 in Test cricket - also playing down the order in one-day matches despite the absence of any form slump.

"When I'm playing, and I'm sure management and selectors agree, the best position for me is opening," Gilchrist said.

"I'm still enjoying it and I started this series well and missed out in the last couple but that's part of my game.

"I'm a player who can be a bit hit-and-miss at times.

"I've never really batted in the middle order for Australia so I don't know how anyone can cast an opinion on whether I would be better down there.

"They're opinions and they're entitled to them. It seems to be floating around every so often but it's not something I've considered."

Meanwhile, Australian paceman Glenn McGrath must bowl in the nets tomorrow to prove he has overcome a back injury before the Sri Lankan clash, but team physiotherapist Errol Alcott is happy with McGrath's recovery.

Shane Warne will play for Victoria in a one-day match against Tasmania in Hobart on Sunday before his injured shoulder is re-assessed.