Glamorgan seamer Simon Jones was today ruled out of England's crucial deciding Ashes Test at The Oval after failing a fitness test on his injured right ankle.

Jones was put through his paces by physiotherapist Kirk Russell at Lord's this morning but was still suffering too much discomfort to the ankle and was ruled out immediately.

He had been hopeful of recovering from the injury, which he sustained during the fourth Test victory at Trent Bridge, after a week of treatment in an oxygen chamber which was supposed to accelerate his recovery.

But after jogging under Russell's supervision on the Lord's outfield it was clear Jones, who has claimed 18 wickets in the series, was not fit enough to bowl.

It leaves England considering whether to recall James Anderson or Paul Collingwood as his replacement. l Shane Warne was today backing injured seamer Glenn McGrath to come through his fitness tests over the next 48 hours and be passed fit.

McGrath has been struggling to shrug off a right elbow problem sustained in a tour match at Northampton, which ruled him out of last week's fourth Test defeat at Trent Bridge and last weekend's match with Essex.

He has remained confident of recovering and taking his place in Australia's line-up, but the tourists' management have been less assured of his progress and yesterday called uncapped New South Wales paceman Stuart Clark into the squad as cover.

But Warne said: "I think he'll be fine because he's a champion. In these situations champions come to the top and if he can get the ball down to the other end then I think he'll play - he wouldn't let himself or the team down by saying he's right when he's not."

McGrath was due to undergo a fitness test in the nets at The Oval today and Australia may leave their decision on him until shortly before the start on Thursday morning after he has bowled again tomorrow.

l Read Argus columnist and former England batsman Steve James' thoughts on the final Test in tomorrow's Argus Sport.