Australian chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns has not ruled out call-ups for either legspinner Stuart MacGill or allrounder Shane Watson for next week's deciding Ashes Test.

Hohns said he and his selection panel had not begun considering the make-up of the team for the must-win fifth Test at The Oval, and would do so after this weekend's two-day match against Essex in Chelmsford.

"We won't sit down and talk about the team until next week," he said.

Hohns did not rule any player out of the calculation, which means Watson or MacGill might get a chance.

Although not part of the Test squad, Watson gave his selection chances a massive boost with an unbeaten double century and two wickets in Hampshire's innings win over Warwickshire at the Rose Bowl.

MacGill could also figure because of Australia's need to attack with the ball, needing 20 wickets to be any chance of retaining the Ashes, on a pitch expected to turn.

The selectors will get a good idea on what side to take into the match with a close look at this weekend's match.

Australia and Essex have agreed to let 12 players participate (11 fielding, 11 batting) so an extra man can get match practice.

Australia arrived in Essex on Friday and will train on Saturday.

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