Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie and England batsman John Crawley face last-minute fitness tests before the second Ashes Test begins at the Adelaide Oval.

Gillespie is expected to play after bowling at full pace in the nets on Wednesday, testing his troublesome calf muscle.

"The big key was getting out of bed, moving around and having no stiffness," Gillespie said.

"That was a great sign and then to come here and have a bowl and not feel it at all is a big bonus."

But Crawley is in genuine doubt because of a bruised hip sustained against Australia A in Hobart last Sunday.

England coach Duncan Fletcher on Thursday admitted the 31-year-old, who made 69 not out and nought in the first Test in Brisbane, was unlikely to play, leaving the door open for Robert Key to play his third Test.

The 23-year-old Key made 174 not out against Australia A in an impressive dress rehearsal.

Yorkshire off-spinner Richard Dawson also played in that match, not knowing he would be called in to replace Ashley Giles (broken wrist).

Dawson has played just three Tests but the Australian team has gleaned plenty of information about him from his Yorkshire captain and Australian No.4 Darren Lehmann.

"We spoke a little about him and it's handy having Boof (Lehmann) in the side from that point-of-view," Australian batsman Ricky Ponting said.

"I haven't seen him bowl much but saying that we've got a fair idea ... because Darren said he generally gets them through quite quickly early on in his spell before he gets into a bit of rhythm and gets a bit of confidence.

"Then he starts using the air a little more and you find it can drift. It's a big Test match for him and a lot of things can happen during the course of the day."

Australia will again start at short-priced favourite after its crushing 384-run win in the first Test but captain Steve Waugh has again stuck up for England.

"It's only one game and I think people are getting carried away, " Waugh said.

"There are four Test matches to come and a lot can happen. That's why sport is such a great thing because people can turn things around.

"They've got the ability to do that and they've got great players."

Brett Lee is likely to carry the drinks for Australia if Gillespie is passed fit, leaving Queensland paceman Andrew Bichel to play his fourth Test in succession.

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