McGrath to fill in for Middlesex

Glenn McGrath, the Australian fast bowler, is to play for Middlesex for a month later this season. McGrath has not played in a Test for almost a year due to injuries, and, even though he has been picked to play for Australia against the touring Sri Lankans, he still needs to prove his fitness to the national selectors.

McGrath marked his comeback from injury with a disappointing one-day series against Zimbabwe last month, taking only one wicket in three matches. He has also effectively been put on notice by Trevor Hohns, Australia's chairman of selectors, who suggested this two-Test series against Sri Lanka could be his last if he doesn't perform.

After that series, McGrath, 34, will replace Lance Klusener, one of Middlesex's overseas players, who is likely to tour Sri Lanka with the South Africans later this summer. McGrath, who had a successful season with Worcestershire in 2000, will be available for four County Championship matches and five National League games between July 18 and August 15.

Middlesex have lost four of their last five matches, and yesterday announced that Ed Joyce had replaced Owais Shah as captain after their poor run of results. The arrival of McGrath, who has played 95 Tests and taken 430 wickets, is sure to be a boost.