By George, another debutant

JGK wrote:I reckon they'll play McKay though.

Quick Peter George and batsman Usman Khawaja are outside chances of making their Test debuts as illness and injury dogged the Australian team's build-up to this week's second Test against Pakistan.

Ben Hilfenhaus is yet to test out his injured left shoulder before the Headingley match while Marcus North sat out training on Monday in Leeds with a stomach upset.

Hilfenhaus injured his shoulder diving in the field on the final day of Australia's 150-run win over Pakistan last week at Lord's.

The Tasmanian swing bowler is on the improve and will be given a final chance to prove his fitness on Tuesday before the match starts on Wednesday morning.

Australian vice captain Michael Clarke said the side was hopeful Hilfenhaus would be right to play.

"I don't think he bowled today, he saw the physio but he is certainly improving, so fingers crossed hopefully he will be right come the first day of the Test match," Clarke said.

North missed a Test in Cape Town last year due to illness but the Australian camp is still confident he will be ready in time for the Leeds game.

If George and Khawaja are selected, it would continue the flow of fresh blood into the Australian Test side in recent times.

Steve Smith and Tim Paine's first games in the baggy green last week at Lord's made it 17 Test debutants in the past two and a half years for the national side.

Call-ups would complete rapid rises for George and Pakistan-born Khawaja, who have only played 18 and 20 first-class matches respectively.

Meanwhile Mike Hussey says the battle for Ashes spots is wiping away any hint of complacency in the Australian side before the Headingley clash.

Pakistan have a fine bowling attack but their feeble batting lineup and the upheaval surrounding Shahid Afridi's brief captaincy stint means Australia are expected to extend their winning run against them to 14 successive wins.

Hussey said the lure of playing in the Ashes series, starting November 25 in Brisbane, helped ensure Australia's players would have their minds on the job this week.

"There is still so much motivation because one it is a Test match for Australia and two, we are getting closer and closer to the Ashes series as well," he said.

"I know all the guys want to be part of that Ashes series so everyone wants to perform in every Test match leading up to that to make sure they are on that team sheet in late November."

skully wrote:This would be the second Test that Ollie missed due to an upset tummy. Soft wozzie qunt.