McGrath struggling for fitness

Glenn McGrath is in doubt for the second Ashes Test with a left heel injury and is being given until just before play to prove his fitness.

McGrath suffered the injury during the second innings of the first Ashes test but was able to continue bowling due to a pain-killing injection.

Ponting told Sky Sports “You’d pretty much have to amputate his foot I reckon for him not to be out there in this game.”

“It’s something that he’s actually had for about 15 years of his career and it’s just got a lot worse last week,” Ponting added.

Shuan Tait and Mitchell Johnson are on stand-by should McGrath be forced out of the match.