SYDNEY, Nov 24: Australia look set to go into next month’s opening cricket Test against India with an under-strength pace attack after news on Monday that pace spearhead Glenn McGrath is struggling to regain full fitness.

McGrath said he will miss the opening two Tests against Sourav Ganguly’s team and was aiming to return in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne after ankle surgery.

Fellow speedster Brett Lee also remains in doubt with abdominal and ankle problems and is unlikely to be selected for the opening Test at the Gabba, starting on Dec 4.

Both were assessed by team physiotherapist Errol Allcott over the weekend with neither given a clean bill of health.

McGrath, who last played in August against Bangladesh, is targeting Saturday’s NSW one-day match against Tasmania in Hobart as his comeback but doubted he could back-up for five-day cricket.

“I think it’s a little bit early for the first two Tests but I would love to be playing them,” McGrath said on Monday.

“Hopefully, if all goes well I’ll play a few games for NSW and be available for selection for the Boxing Day Test.”

The news was worse for senior batsman Darren Lehmann, who has been ruled out of first-class cricket until early next year with his Achilles tendon injury.

The 33-year-old left-hander, sidelined since suffering the injury during the first Test against Zimbabwe in October, is to have an intense rehabilitation programme.

Lehmann, wearing a protective boot since his injury, admitted frustration at the news and set his sights on taking part in the triangular one-day series with India and Zimbabwe in the New Year.

“I’m naturally disappointed with the knowledge that I’ll be watching this series from the sidelines,” he said.

“Obviously the VB (one-day) Series is now my target, but there’s a lot of hard work to do before then to ensure I am 100 percent fit.”

The Australian selectors will on Tuesday choose a 12-man squad for the first Test.

It is expected batting all-rounder Simon Katich, who starred with the ball in the second Test against Zimbabwe, should retain Lehmann’s place in the batting order at No.6 over Queensland’s Martin Love.

The selectors are also likely to retain Brad Williams and left-armer Nathan Bracken, if Lee is ruled out.

Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said opener Matthew Hayden was not in doubt despite being ordered to rest a niggling foot injury instead of playing for Queensland against South Australia this week.—AFP