Skipper Alec Stewart dismissed speculation that his predecessor may be about to retire from the international scene because of a persistent back problem, which has affected him again during the current tour.

Atherton has managed just 110 runs in the first four Tests of the series, and was dismissed for nought in each innings in Melbourne - the first pair of his Test career.

"He's worked as hard as he's ever worked, but he's obviously disappointed with his run return and he will be determined to finish off the series well," said Stewart.

Atherton was man of the series against South Africa last summer, when he contributed 493 runs at an average of 54.77.

"People wrote him off after he gave up the captaincy, but he got a hundred in the first Test at Edgbaston. He's a world-class player, but he's just struggled a little bit recently, that's all," Stewart added.

"He hasn't been picked for the one-dayers and he'll got away and have a rest and strengthen his back up and then he will come into contention for the World Cup and four Tests against New Zealand next summer where I'm sure he'll play a big part."

A double dose

Shane Warne: Happy to be back

Former Australian skipper Allan Border has, meanwhile, predicted great things in Sydney from leg-spinning duo Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill.

The pair have only played together in one previous Test, when they shared eight wickets against South Africa in February.

"Shane's recall to Test cricket should not be seen as the end of Stuart MacGill, but the start of a union which could be quite special.

"To me, it could give opposing sides around the world a double dose of cricket's most potent venom. If they can learn to bowl together, I can see them being a wonderful combination," said Border.

"Thought the ideal pairing is to have spinners turning the ball in opposite directions, leg-spinners have so much variety that I do not see their union as a problem."

MacGill has taken 35 wickets in seven Tests and is equally enthusiastic about teaming up with Warne.