McGrath doubtful for one-dayers in South Africa

Glenn McGrath is highly unlikely to play in any of the one-dayers during Australia's tour of South Africa which starts later this month. However, he has yet to announce his non-participation in the three Tests that follow the ODIs. "I doubt he would be going," Warren Craig, his manager, said . "He might have changed his mind over the weekend, but I think it is doubtful."

McGrath has been excused from playing in the VB Series finals against Sri Lanka to be with his wife Jane, who has had further complications from breast cancer.

McGrath, 36 last week, is understood to have told Trevor Hohns, chairman of selectors, that he would be unavailable for the first part of the South African tour. Craig said there was little chance McGrath will be announced in the one-day touring squad later this week. The selectors met on Monday to choose the touring side but are unlikely to announce it until after Tuesday's deciding one-day final at Brisbane.

McGrath wrote in his newspaper column last week that he did not intend to retire from international cricket. "Cricket does become a distant consideration at this time, but it's still a major part of our lives," he wrote." We have been through this before so we know what's in front of us and what we need to do to win the battle."

Jane McGrath has started radiotherapy treatment after being re-diagnosed with breast cancer. She had previously undergone surgery in her battle against the disease.