Gilchrist pushes Hogg's Test claims

Brad Hogg's stunning form at the World Cup has put him back in the mix for Test selection, Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist says.

The left-arm wrist-spinner collected 21 wickets in the Caribbean and can see a Test vacancy now that world record-holder Shane Warne has retired.

Hogg's main rival for the position would be NSW legspinner Stuart MacGill, who boasts a strong record of 198 wickets in 40 Tests.

Hogg suggested he was unlikely to stay on for a third World Cup campaign but was excited about his Test chances with tours of Pakistan, West Indies and India next year.

In the next home summer Australia host Sri Lanka and India for a total of six Tests.

Wicketkeeper Gilchrist said his West Australian team-mate had played a key role in a "remarkable" bowling attack to spearhead Australia's unbeaten World Cup campaign.

The energetic spinner took the key wicket of Kumar Sangakkara (54) in Saturday's final against Sri Lanka, breaking a century partnership for the second wicket with Sanath Jayasuriya (63) to spark a middle-order collapse as Australia grabbed its comprehensive 53-run win.

"Hogg has probably thrown himself back into contention for Test cricket, because we've lost one of the greatest," Gilchrist said.

"But we've got a guy (Hogg) there who has stood up on the world stage again.

"So all support to him.

"They've all been brilliant, all part of a collective effort.

"I would imagine four of our bowlers would have been in the top seven or eight wicket-takers.

"They've been brilliant and all that after the criticisms of the end of the summer and the question marks. They've stood up and that was really pleasing.

"I don't know where they're all headed. Well I know where Glenn McGrath's headed, he's out (retired).

"All of them have done remarkably well and I think in every game, bar a 22-over against Bangladesh, we bowled (out) every team, so that's a sign of a good bowling lineup."

Hogg, who has taken a modest nine wickets at 50 in four Tests, said it was an awesome feeling to be a part of two World Cup winning sides.

"It only comes around every four years," he said.

"I was very fortunate to play every game and play a major part of it and be part of a great bowling group to help us win it.

"I'm a young 36 but 2011, it's a long way away isn't it?

"It's a fantastic life playing cricket for Australia. But four years down the track at the age of 40...

"Test cricket, well Warney's not there. It's a very exciting time for cricket in Australia.

"You've got Stuart MacGill still around. I'm still playing one-day cricket but a young spinner should be licking his lips now and working really hard because there might a be a few opportunities in the next four years for him to take."

Gilchrist says there were some initial doubts over Shaun Tait's ability to handle being a strike weapon with the new ball in place of the injured Brett Lee.

"Who is the right option? We weren't too sure I don't think, coming into it," he said.

"But Tait took his chance and was brilliant."