Pigeon and Warney in the twos

[Donny]

Seconds test for star duo

By Robert Craddock - Fox


AUSTRALIA's anonymous state second XI competition is set for a blaze of publicity next month with Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne planning comebacks in the same round.

Warne is set to return from his one-year drug ban for the Victorian Second XI against the Queensland Academy of Sport at the Junction Oval from February 9-12, even though he can only play from day two.

McGrath revealed yesterday he was striving to appear for the New South Wales seconds against Tasmania seconds in Hobart on the same dates.

McGrath has had several aborted comebacks since having two ankle operations after his last day of competitive cricket in the second Test against Bangladesh in Cairns in August, raising question marks about his future.

In recent weeks he has declined to specify a comeback date for fear that to cancel it would trigger a round of bleak publicity.

"I have had a cortisone injection and I am feeling very confident in the ankle," McGrath told Sydney radio station 2KY yesterday.

If McGrath can make his comeback date, he will have a chance of making Australia's Test tour of Sri Lanka in March. The side will be chosen on about February 20.

News of McGrath's comeback plans were well received by new Test captain Ricky Ponting, who has watched India manhandle Australia's support bowlers all summer.

"That was the most disappointing thing about this summer against India in that we didn't get the chance to put our full-strength bowling side against their full-strength batting side," Ponting said.

"Glenn felt a bit frustrated over the past few months, having got back and then requiring another operation on his ankle.

"I am sure he is dying to play again."