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Saturday, Nov 24, 2007
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MacGill considering retirement

Decision before Boxing Day Test
Concerned over his form and fitness

Melbourne: Australian leg-spinner Stuart MacGill, who is fighting for form and fitness, is considering retiring from Test cricket and will make a decision on his future before the Boxing Day Test against India.

The 36-year-old has not set a deadline, but has confirmed he will not nominate for selection unless completely certain that his knee can withstand the rigours of Test cricket, according to a report in The Age.

“In my career, every game is a big game and every day is a big day. But those days are numbered and you never know when the end is going to be,” MacGill said.

“It will depend if there is improvement. If I understand it correctly, there are new, degenerative issues. There is no guarantee the knee will ever get better.

Observation

MacGill, who has 203 wickets in 42 Tests, said “no bowler is 100 per cent only 20-year-olds are 100 per cent and the great bowlers have always been able to play with pain. But there is a difference between playing with pain and not being able to contend with the demands of the game,” he said.

“We have got India coming up and I will have to be on top of my game. My intentions? I alone will know what condition I am in and two days after a Test is not the best time to make a decision,” he said.

MacGill was unable to replicate his form of past seasons, in the series against Sri Lanka.

“I still want to be the best spin bowler in Australia in 12 months and I hope that will be the case. I guess I will just know if I am ready. I will never go into a game I think I can’t finish.” — PTI

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