McGrath aims to return for the second Test

Glenn McGrath, the Australian fast bowler, is looking at the second Test against India at Adelaide, which starts on December 12, as his possible return match. McGrath, 33, has been sidelined with a recurring ankle injury that prevented him from taking part in the recent series against Zimbabwe.

After completing the Test series against Bangladesh in July, McGrath was forced to undergo surgery on his long-standing ankle injury, putting him out of action until September. But he then needed a further operation after limping away from a warm-up session a few days before the first Test was due to start against Zimbabwe at Perth.

However, since then, McGrath has made steady progress. "It's coming on well," he said. "I went in and saw the doctor yesterday and [he] took the stitches out, and he's very happy with the way it's progressing. From now on it's back to fitness work and getting physio on it," he said, adding that he hoped to be back in action by "this time next month".

A veteran of 95 Tests, McGrath will be keen to add to his 430 Test wickets and attempt to home in on Courtney Walsh's world record of 519. And if his recovery goes to plan, it will be a boost for Australia, who are also currently missing Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie through injury.