SYDNEY, June 30: Australia batsman Michael Clarke is convinced veteran seam bowler Glenn McGrath will play in this winter's Ashes cricket series against England.

McGrath has been out of action since February in order to care for his wife, who has cancer.

But Clarke said: “We trained together a couple of times last week and he's in good spirits. I know Glenn is keen as mustard to play and it's just a matter of making sure everything is OK at home.”

Australia are desperate to reclaim the Ashes after losing 2-1 in England last year, beaten at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge.

The 36-year-old is most successful seam bowler in Test history, having taken 542 wickets in 119 appearances, and a return to action by him would be a major boost to Australia's chances.

McGrath would be first choice to take new ball with Brett Lee, leaving selectors to choose a third seamer from Stuart Clark, Jason Gillespie, Shaun Tait or any other bowler who thrusts himself into reckoning before opening Test starts on Nov 23.—Agencies