Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath is improving after missing the second Ashes Test with an ankle injury but seems set to miss the third match as well, according to his captain Ricky Ponting [Images].

"I don't know if Glenn is definitely out [of the third Test] but he's unlikely to play," he told a news conference on Sunday.

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"He has improved, he's off his crutches and moving quite freely but more realistically it will be Trent Bridge."

The third Test of the five-match series starts at Old Trafford on Thursday, with the fourth at Trent Bridge beginning on August 25.

McGrath's absence in England's [Images] two-run victory at Edgbaston was arguably a crucial factor. The 35-year-old stepped on a stray cricket ball just before the toss on Thursday and damaged ankle ligaments.

Australia, resuming on 175 for eight on Sunday needing 282 to win, almost snatched the game. Tailenders Shane Warne [Images] made 42, Brett Lee [Images] 43 not out and Michael Kasprowicz, McGrath's replacement, scored 20 before he was last man out.

"You are always going to miss someone of Glenn's ability," Ponting added with a smile. "But if he had been batting at the end we might not have got that close."

McGrath has 508 Test wickets and needs only 12 more to become the most successful fast bowler in Test history. His ability with the bat, however, has left him as a confirmed number 11. He averages 7.51 in Tests.