Australia will delay its decision on whether to play veteran paceman Glenn McGrath until just before the start of the fourth Ashes Test against England.

McGrath is being treated for an injured right elbow and is in doubt to lead the side's pace attack at Trent Bridge starting Thursday.

He is experiencing pain and swelling in the joint after he developed soreness during the third Test at Old Trafford and during last weekend's two-day match against Northamptonshire.

Team physiotherapist Errol Alcott will examine McGrath's elbow Thursday morning (Thursday night Australian time) before he decides if the 35-year-old is fit enough to lead the attack in such an important clash.

The Ashes series is level 1-1.

Michael Kasprowicz has been put on standby in case McGrath does not play, and if that occurs Australia will deploy a vastly different attack at Trent Bridge than at Old Trafford.

Speedster Shaun Tait will debut at Nottingham in place of fellow South Australian Jason Gillespie.

Kasprowicz came in for McGrath in the second Test at Edgbaston, when McGrath damaged his ankle when he trod on a ball during the warm-up.

Kasprowicz ensured he was in good nick as he was one of only three players to train.

Rain meant Australia trained at England's cricket academy in nearby Loughbrough, and Kasprowicz, Gillespie and batsman Simon Katich were the only three players who took part in the optional session.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP