MELBOURNE, Feb 4: Veteran paceman Glenn McGrath may return to the Australian team for Sunday’s triangular series clash with South Africa, despite his wife suffering a recurrence of cancer.

Australia’s vice-captain Adam Gilchrist said on Saturday that he had spoken to McGrath who told him he was keen to play in the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

But Gilchrist said he did not know what McGrath’s longer-term plans were. The Australians begin a tour of South Africa in just over two weeks.

“I know he is quite keen to play, so that’s what they (the family) will have to work out,” Gilchrist said.

“Longer term, I don’t know. We just have to let the dust settle a little bit and really give them a chance to work out what’s best for them and then secondary to that is what’s best for the team.”

McGrath raced home to Sydney from Melbourne on Friday, missing Australia’s 80-run win over the Proteas at the Telstra Dome after learning his wife Jane had new health problems.

Jane McGrath has previously been treated successfully for breast and bone cancer.

“I have just spoken with Pigeon (McGrath) this morning (and he is) very optimistic and very positive,” Gilchrist said.

“If anyone knows how to deal with it, those guys do.”

South Africa need to beat Australia in the match or face a “live” final qualifying match against Sri Lanka in Hobart on Tuesday.

The Australians, on 22 points, 10 ahead of South Africa, are already placed in the best-of-three finals which start next Friday.—AFP