Steve Waugh again backs MacGill

SYDNEY, Dec 21 AAP - Steve Waugh has once again endorsed Stuart MacGill as the replacement for the injured Shane Warne as selectors sit down to pick their side for the fourth Test against England.

MacGill was given little opportunity to make a last-minute impression in NSW's Pura Cup game against Victoria at the SCG today, with the Blues beaten convincingly by nine wickets.

The 31-year-old leggie took 3-56 from 25.5 overs in Victoria's first innings, including a spell of 3-16, but wasn't used today as the Bushrangers cruised to an outright victory inside three days.

However, Waugh believes MacGill's record in Test cricket - he's taken 82 wickets in 17 matches - should count in his favour when the selectors name the side for the Boxing Day Test tomorrow.

"He's a quality bowler. I have gone on record that he's in the top couple of spinners in the world," Waugh said.

"It's up to the selectors now whether they decide he's the next one to be picked or it's Nathan Hauritz or Brad Hogg or whoever else is turning the ball in Australia.

"He's a quality bowler. He's done well at Test cricket."

Waugh also rejected suggestions Australia should replace Warne with a pace bowler despite the success of speed on the MCG this summer.

"I think for the balance of any attack you're better off playing a spinner than a four-pronged pace attack, unless you're the West Indies of the 70s and 80s and they had four outstanding quicks," Waugh said.

"But I think for the balance of the side and to give you options on day four or five you're better off having a spinner there."