Glenn McGrath believes his stunning Ashes catch at the Adelaide Oval may have sparked the back problems which have jolted his preparation for next month's World Cup in Africa.

McGrath remains hopeful of playing against Sri Lanka at the Gabba on Wednesday but he won't risk the latest injury which has stalled a season highlighted by his diving outfield catch to dismiss England batsman Michael Vaughan in the second Test in November.

McGrath completed only seven overs during Australia's seven-run one day victory over England in Hobart on Saturday before leaving the field for treatment on an irritated joint in his lower back.

He had two cortisone injections and a scan in Melbourne on Sunday and will wait until the morning to learn whether the treatment was effective, enabling him to continue in the triangular one-day series.

"My back has always been pretty good and the scans today showed up the back couldn't be any better," McGrath said in Brisbane.

"But it probably all stems back to Adelaide when I dived and took that catch and my lower back has been a bit sore since then.

"That's probably triggered it.

"Hopefully the cortisone will take effect - it's in the right area - and that would be the end of it.

"That would be the perfect scenario and hopefully I can have a bowl in the morning."

Leg-spinner Shane Warne will also be assessed in Brisbane after playing his first match for Victoria since dislocating his shoulder last month.

Australian officials won't take any risks with Warne, who remains on track for the World Cup, and they may recommend the 33-year-old plays for Victoria in a one-day match against Tasmania in Hobart next Sunday.

Warne and McGrath were absent from the fifth Test loss to England in Sydney last week and also missed Australia's loss to Sri Lanka when the tri-series resumed at the same ground last Thursday.

McGrath did not appear too worried, likening his back twinge to a similar problem which affected him during a Test against New Zealand in Perth in December 2001.

"I had something similar there and had the cortisone injection then and I was able to bowl the same afternoon," he said.

"It's a little bit different now - it's a bit higher up - but hopefully it's just the same thing.

"We're in a pretty good position on the points table now so if there was any doubt, we wouldn't risk it but if it's feeling good tomorrow and the pain is completely gone, I couldn't see why I wouldn't be ready for selection."

Australia remains on top of the points table following the fighting victory over England, diffusing the tourists' run chase after they cruised to 0-165 in pursuit of a victory target of 272.

Young all-rounder Shane Watson had one of his most memorable days when he bowled two tight overs at the death to restrict England, finishing with 2-36 off eight overs.

Watson is still conceding almost six runs an over during the tri-series, leaving him with the challenge to continue Saturday's good form when Australia meets Sri Lanka.

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