Stuart MacGill reveals his prime has passed

Sydney, Dec 1 (UNI) Australia's injured leg spinner Stuart MacGill has admitted that he had lost the potential to trouble the world's best batsmen as his career approaches a critical moment.

MacGill broke his silence as said he had 'no interest' in playing Test cricket unless he could return to his best.

''I'm a professional sportsman and have no interest in playing cricket unless I'm going to be challenging the best batsmen in the world, but I'm not convinced I can do that and I won't take the field until I am,'' MacGill said.

The leggie will undergo a scan on Monday which will determine the cause of nerve problems in his bowling arm and then only his future for the upcoming Test series against India would be decided.

MacGill made the startling admission yesterday as he worked on his new TV show.

The spinner was willing to end his 42-Test career voluntarily if he can not rediscover his form.

''I love the feeling of getting a batsmen out - it's a powerful experience. I know that's how I feel. It has been clear in my mind and it's really the journalists that have been getting frantic.'' He added, ''Professional sport is about proving that you are the best. My interest is in standing 20m away and proving that I am better than them. I want to play sport.'' The 36-year old spinner said that he had no intentions to take the field unless he is 100 per cent fit to deliver for his team and till the time he himself is not satisfied about his fitness.

Given his fitness level, MacGill might not be seen playing against Queensland in the Pura Cup and if that happens then the leg spinner can very well dismiss the chances of playing in the Boxing Day Test because national selectors want him to prove his fitness before they pick him.

UNI