McGrath fit for Ashes decider

Pace bowler Glenn McGrath has been passed fit to play for Australia in the fifth npower Ashes Test © Getty Images

Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath will play in the npower Ashes decider at The Brit Oval after proving his fitness in the nets on Wednesday afternoon.

McGrath, 35, replaces Michael Kasprowicz in the only change to the side which went 2-1 behind at Trent Bridge 10 days ago.

He missed that three-wicket defeat with an elbow injury - he also sat out the loss at Edgbaston - but has now recovered sufficiently for the Australians to name him in their XI in advance of the contest.

Australia need to win the final encounter of the summer to maintain their hold on the Ashes having won the previous eight series stretching back to 1989.

The inclusion of McGrath, who has 513 Test victims, will increase their firepower as they seek to dismiss England twice.

Had he not passed a fitness test, the Australians were considering reverting to a five-man attack, something they have been loathe to do during their decade of dominance at Test level.