McGrath unfazed about pace debate

Veteran Australian paceman Glenn McGrath says he has confidence in each of the candidates vying to fill the third fast bowling position for the opening Ashes Test starting in Brisbane on Thursday.

Speculation has been rife about who will fill the position in the Gabba Test if injured all-rounder Shane Watson cannot play.

McGrath and Brett Lee are expected to face England in Brisbane, with Shaun Tait, Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson all in contention for the third fast bowling spot in the Australian XI.

Speaking after a training session in Brisbane, McGrath said he had no concerns about any of the players being considered for the job.

"They all offer and bring something different to the team so it is a tough job for the selectors and whoever gets picked will fit nicely in the team," he said.

Michael Clarke has admitted he has mixed emotions about filling the batting void left by Watson.

He said while he wanted to play against England, he hoped Watson could overcome the injury.

"It's hard because obviously I want the best for Watto," he said.

"He is a good friend of mine and any young Australian wants to play in every Test match possible.

"I guess the way I'm looking at it is that Watto has been picked in the first Test team, so fingers crossed hopefully he'll pull up okay."

Meanwhile, opening batsman Justin Langer said he was not feeling any extra pressure to perform, despite calls to include the in-form New South Welshman Phil Jaques.

Langer said he had been under pressure to keep his spot in the team before and was confident he could silence his critics.

"All I can do is what I've done for 10 years," he said.

"Runs is the currency of value to me in the team. If I make them I've got nothing to worry about."

And leg-spinner Shane Warne said he could not wait for the Ashes series to begin

Warne said Australia and England were tired of talking about cricket and both sides just wanted the series to start.

"I think England are just ready to play, we're ready to play and I think everyone just wants the Ashes series to start," he said.

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