Australian fast bowler Brad Williams said he was confident of being fit in time to play in the third cricket Test against India, starting at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.

Williams, who injured his left shoulder while diving to stop a boundary, bowled with an injured shoulder in the second Test in Adelaide, but believes a few days rest and some treatment will speed up the recovery.

"My shoulder should be a 100 per cent in about a week, so I'll have a bowl in the nets next week," he said.

"And, you know, if selection goes my way I'll get a chance to go over to Melbourne and hopefully get another game."

Williams is crucial to Australia scheme of things for the next Test as India have already taken a 1-0 lead in the four-match Test series.

While Jason Gillespie's condition is not known after he pulled an hamstring while bowling on the final day of the second Test on Tuesday, pace spearhead Glenn McGrath will not return from injury to bolster the bowling attack.

McGrath's repaired left ankle failed to heal completely after two operations to remove bone spurs and he is unlikely to take the field before New South Wales Pure Cup clash against Victoria in Newcastle on January 9.

The fourth and final Test at Sydney begins on January 6.