Australian pace attack in sick bay

Glenn McGrath was battling a mystery virus on Thursday, the day after Jason Gillespie pulled out with a knee injury.

Matthew Nicholson, 24, was a shock call-up for Gillespie to cap off a stunning rise, which has seen him win national honours after only seven first class matches.

Even more remarkable is that only last year the big Western Australian's career looked over as he went down with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Possible replacements Michael Kasprowicz and Paul Reiffel both suffered leg injuries during the Australian XI's victory against England in Hobart earlier this week.

However, Australian captain Mark Taylor was hopeful McGrath would be fit for the fourth Ashes Test.

Taylor said McGrath complained of a virus on the final day of the third Test win in Adelaide that secured Australia the Ashes for a sixth consecutive time.

``He's had a week off and he's feeling a lot better,'' Taylor said.

``But he still wants to see someone about it because the harder he works the more he feels something in his chest.

``He's gone to get that checked out today, it's more precautionary than anything - he could have bowled today in the nets without too much of a problem. ``

Nicholson, 24, replaced Gillespie in the latest setback to an injury plagued career for the South Australian.

Taylor said he had only seen Nicholson bowl nine overs, for the Prime Minister's XI against England in a one-day match in Canberra last week.

``I haven't seen a lot of him but I know from what I have heard and what I have seen he's quite sharp and can shape the ball away from the righthanders,'' Taylor said.

``In that regard he's in the Gillespie type mould but whether he's going to be as accurate and as consistent as Jason I don't know, but we may find out come Boxing Day.''

Gillespie played a key role in the second Ashes Test victory in Perth, his return to the international arena after stress fractures of the lower back.

He said Thursday his right knee troubled him during the Perth Test when he took four wickets in six balls to end England's second innings.

He said incorrect placement of his right foot on delivery had caused wear and tear on a tendon in his right knee but hoped he would be sidelined only a few weeks.

England will name their team after a Christmas Day fielding session.

Australia: Mark Taylor (capt), Steve Waugh (vice capt), Michael Slater, Justin Langer, Mark Waugh, Darren Lehmann, Ian Healy, Damien Fleming, Stuart MacGill, Matthew Nicholson, Glenn McGrath, Colin Miller. (12th man to be named).