Pace spearhead Glenn McGrath is in danger of following Test team-mate Darren Lehmann and missing Australia's entire four-Test series against India.

McGrath has conceded he will miss the opening two Tests and must aim for a return in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG after struggling to return to full fitness following ankle surgery.

Fellow quick Brett Lee also remains in doubt with abdominal and ankle problems and is unlikely to be selected for the opening Test at the Gabba, starting on December 4.

Both were assessed by team physiotherapist Errol Allcott over the weekend with neither given a clean bill of health.

McGrath, who last played mid-year against Bangladesh, is targeting this Saturday's NSW one-day match against Tasmania in Hobart as his comeback but doubted he could back-up for five-day cricket.

"I think it's a little bit early for the first two Tests but I would love to be playing them," he said.

"Hopefully if all goes well I'll play a few games for NSW and be available for selection for the Boxing Day Test."

The news was worse for left-hander Lehmann whose Test future is under a serious cloud after being ruled out of first-class cricket until early next year with his Achilles tendon injury.

The 33-year-old left-hander, sidelined since suffering the injury during the first Test against Zimbabwe in October, was ordered to an intense rehabilitation program by Sydney specialist Dr Martin Sullivan.

Lehmann, wearing a protective boot since October, admitted deep frustration at the news and set his sights on taking part in the triangular one-day series with India and Zimbabwe in the New Year.

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