SYDNEY, Dec 22 AAP - Stuart MacGill is back in the Test side and ready to shoulder the burden in the absence of Shane Warne - all the way to the World Cup and West Indies.

The New South Wales (NSW) leg spinner was the only change to the Australian side named today for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, taking the place of Warne, who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder.

It's been 11 months since MacGill last pulled on the baggy green cap against South Africa in Sydney.

And it's an opportunity he hopes will open the door for a permanent return to the national team, starting with the World Cup in South Africa in February.

MacGill was left out of a preliminary 30-man World Cup squad named by the national selectors earlier this month but Warne's dislocated shoulder has brought him back into calculations.

"On the World Cup, I think in my mind, there's absolutely no doubt that I am one of the best one day players in Australia," MacGill said today.

"To be left out of the 30 to me didn't mean that I wasn't. It just meant that the make-up of the team at that particular time didn't include me.

"It doesn't mean that I am not one of the best one day players. I will always believe that.

"For the selectors to have left me out of the 30 is understandable based on the selection criteria.

"Now things are slightly different and if the opportunity arises I am sure I will do a great job."

With a four Test series against the West Indies to follow the World Cup, MacGill could be forgiven for feeling a sense of deja vu.

Four years ago he took a bagful of wickets against England to secure a trip to the Caribbean, where his form eventually squeezed Warne out of the Test side.

On that occasion Warne was coming back from shoulder surgery - a scenario which could be repeated next year.

MacGill isn't looking to make Warne expendable this time, but admits he'd love to play alongside the spin wizard in the Australian side once more.

"I had hoped that this would be the time we would tour the West Indies and tear them apart together," MacGill said.

"I got to the stage last time where it was very difficult to leave me out of the team.

"That can happen again this time. That's certainly what I aim to do every time I play, even with New South Wales.

"I feel if I am a vital part of the team it's just going to make the selectors job easier, not harder."

If history is any guide, MacGill could do just that.

The wine-loving leggie has an impeccable record against the tourists, having taken 27 wickets in four Tests at an average of 17.70.

He was dubbed the "logical replacement" by chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns today despite lean pickings - by his own high standards - this summer for the Blues.

The 31-year-old has taken 20 wickets in NSW's six matches at an average of 38.45. He bowled only 26 overs, taking 3-56, as the Blues slumped to a nine wicket loss to Victoria on an SCG greentop in his latest Pura Cup outing.

"He is a high-class performer with a big-match temperament, something that is shown by his figures in Test matches, and he has an outstanding record against England," Hohns said in a statement.

"We are delighted to be able to call on someone of his ability as we look to continue our good form in this series."

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.