Fast bowler Glenn McGrath caused a stir on the opening day of the third Test when he was included in Australia's line-up at Old Trafford on Thursday.

McGrath, who damaged ligaments just before the toss at Edgbaston last week to miss Australia's second Test defeat, was pronounced fit to play on Thursday morning. England [Images] won the toss and opted to bat.

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Man of the match in the first Test, McGrath replaced Michael Kasprowicz, who had stood in for him at the second Test. That was the only change to the world champions' line up.

McGrath was still on crutches at the weekend, reportedly with "extensive right ankle ligament damage", according to Australia physiotherapist Errol Alcott.

His miracle recovery, however, was completed on Thursday. He will open the attack with Brett Lee [Images], who had also been a doubt for the match with an inflamed knee.

England were unchanged.

Teams:

England: Michael Vaughan [Images] (captain), Marcus Trescothick [Images], Andrew Strauss [Images], Ian Bell [Images], Kevin Pietersen [Images], Andrew Flintoff [Images], Geraint Jones, Ashley Giles, Simon Jones, Matthew Hoggard [Images], Steve Harmison.

Australia: Ricky Ponting [Images] (captain), Matthew Hayden [Images], Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Michael Clarke [Images], Simon Katich, Adam Gilchrist [Images], Shane Warne [Images], Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath.