Australian pace spearhead Glenn McGrath has been given the green light to play in the Ashes decider starting at The Oval on Thursday.

McGrath bowled for 40 minutes in the nets on Wednesday before receiving the all clear from team physio Errol Alcott, who said the 35-year-old had "exceeded expectations" in his recovery from an elbow injury.

Trailing England 2-1, Australia faces an enormous task to win its first Ashes decider in 58 years, but will be boosted by the return of McGrath, who will replace Michael Kasprowicz in a four-pronged bowling attack.

After his spell, McGrath spoke with Alcott, before giving the good news to captain Ricky Ponting and chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns.

Ponting, meanwhile, says he does not want to be the fall guy who cops the brunt of blame should his side lose the Ashes.

On the eve of the must-win fifth Test against England at The Oval, Ponting said it would be unfair for him to have the shortcomings of his struggling players heaped on his shoulders if Australia relinquished the Ashes after 16 years.

"At the end of the day it is all of us. We are all responsible for the way we have played," Ponting said.

"I would hate to think if we lost this series it is only my fault, all coming back to me. I think that would be pretty unfair to tell you the truth.

"I have never been one who has sat back and taken all the accolades when the team has gone well. I have always shared that around and never taken the great results we have had."

Australia lost both the second and fourth Tests without McGrath, and with him fit, means it can deploy its preferred attack of three quicks plus Shane Warne.

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