Australia's cricket selectors have decided not to risk veteran fast bowler Glenn McGrath in the two-day match against Essex beginning on Saturday, but still hope he will be fit for the fifth Test.

McGrath, who is still recovering from an elbow injury, will sit out along with Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, Damien Martyn and Michael Clarke.

McGrath has been training lightly but will be given more time to rest his injured joint so he can play in the deciding Ashes Test, which starts on Thursday.

Legspinner Stuart MacGill will have the chance to bowl himself into calculations for a berth at The Oval in a match Australia must win to retain the Ashes.

Adam Gilchrist will captain the side against Essex and keep wickets while reserve keeper Brad Haddin will play as a specialist batsman.

AUSTRALIA: Adam Gilchrist (capt), Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Brad Hodge, Brad Haddin, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Shaun Tait, Michael Kasprowicz, Stuart MacGill, 12th man TBC.

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