Australia is strongly considering playing two legspinners in a Test in England for the first time in over 50 years.

Stuart MacGill has come into consideration to bowl in tandem with Shane Warne in the third Test at Old Trafford, starting Thursday, because the Manchester wicket is expected to offer plenty of spin.

Warne, who took 10 wickets in the second Test at Edgbaston, which England won by two runs to level the Ashes 1-1, enters the match with 599 wickets and is poised to become the first player to take 600 wickets in Tests.

Paceman Michael Kasprowicz appears the bowler likely to miss if MacGill does play.

MacGill's inclusion could also mean allrounder Shane Watson plays, as Australia will still need a third seam option and extra batting depth, which could mean batsman Simon Katich could also face the axe.

Australia's selectors have reserved their right to add Watson to the squad, but will discuss the option once they get a report on the Old Trafford wicket from captain Ricky Ponting and coach John Buchanan.

Buchanan confirmed Australia was considering playing two legspinners in a Test on English soil for the first time since 1953, when Richie Benaud was teamed with Doug Ring.

"There's a chance, yeah," Buchanan said.

"It's one of the options certainly that the selectors are looking at.

"We just need to get up there and have a look at the conditions and then try to work out the balance of the side.

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