Australia could be forced into playing an uncapped fast bowler in the biggest Ashes cricket Test in two decades after paceman Stuart Clark received an SOS message to cover for Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath.

Facing an injury crisis with its two best quicks likely to miss the third Test against England at Old Trafford starting Thursday, Australia could select either Clark or 22-year-old Shaun Tait to make their debut.

Lee spent Monday night in a Birmingham hospital on an intravenous drip after a fortnight-old graze on his left knee became sore, swollen and infected - putting his place at the head of the bowling attack in doubt.

McGrath is sure to miss the match because of damaged ligaments in his right ankle.

Australia could punt on either Tait or Clark joining Michael Kasprowicz and Jason Gillespie in a conventional attack of three quicks and Shane Warne, or centre the attack around Warne and fellow legspinner Stuart MacGill.

The Old Trafford wicket is regarded as the most spin-friendly in the country, however local media reports said it was being prepared to favour England's seam quartet.

Australia is optimistic Lee will recover in time, but he is staying in hospital for another night and plans to travel to Manchester on Tuesday, a day after his teammates who left Birmingham.

"The problem areas around his left knee appear to have improved, however the doctors are still keen for him to remain in hospital overnight," Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott said.

"We are hopeful that he will be discharged at some stage before travelling to Manchester where his fitness will be further assessed ahead of the third Test."

It was ironic Lee's hospital visit did not stem from the physical battering he took batting on Sunday, but instead came from a graze caused by a dive in the field during the first Test, at Lord's last month.

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