MacGill's positive selection spin

Confident NSW leg spinner Stuart MacGill expects an immediate recall to the Australian side despite not playing a first class match in more than three months.

The 37-year-old returns to the Blues line-up for this weekend's crucial Pura Cup clash with South Australia at the SCG after undergoing surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome and has already marked the date of his return to the national team.

With this month's trip to Pakistan looking likely to be called off, MacGill is demanding a spot in the squad to tour the Caribbean in May/June.

"I've always been on the plane to the West Indies from my point of view," MacGill said on Thursday.

"I know that might sound a bit arrogant but it's important for me to treat things as business as usual."

"When sportsmen make such a big deal of their goals it can become all consuming."

"My most important goal will be achieved tomorrow, playing for NSW."

"I've got a good record and I'm pretty sure that will get me an international match every now and again."

Test great Shane Warne believes late bloomer Bryce McGain is the form spinner in interstate cricket but should only tour if MacGill is unfit.

"I think Bryce McGain to me has clearly been the standout spinner of the competition this year," Warne said on Thursday.

"If the selectors are going to take a spinner on a tour - whatever the next tour's going to be - I think Bryce McGain should definitely be the No.1 spinner if Stuart MacGill's injured or not playing."

"I think he (McGain) is the No.1 spinner if (MacGill) is injured and not bowling well."

"At the moment he hasn't played so we've got to look at somebody to take away so Bryce McGain to me would be the No.1 spinner."

NSW captain Simon Katich is delighted to have his leading spinner back for a match the Blues must win to ensure they host the Pura Cup final against Victoria.

The two age-old rivals are deadlocked at the top of the table, with NSW slightly ahead on quotients.

"To have a player of his calibre come back for this crucial match is obviously very important for us, particularly at the SCG where you expect the wicket's going to turn," Katich said.

"He's had a couple of weekends in club cricket and from all reports he bowled well last weekend."

"We know he's a proven performer and I'm sure he will get out there and be fine for us."