As reported by Fairfax Media last Sunday, MacGill had left CA puzzled by failing to attend a recent directions hearing in Melbourne. He had lodged a $1.6 million case for loss of match payments and prizemoney, and almost $1 million in interest, plus costs, in January, 2015.

That MacGill had not attended the hearing in person, nor have any legal representation, as confirmed by the court, had left the case in limbo. But a court spokeswoman said last week the two parties have been ordered to attend mediation by no later than July 28. If that is unsuccessful, a trial has been set for August 14.

MacGill, who played 44 Tests and claimed 208 wickets at 29.01, had claimed CA had neglected or failed to pay him injury payments over a two-year period from May 2008 when he was unable to play Test cricket because of injury.

The final amount of $1,640,890 included tour payments for 15 away Test matches ($846,090), tour payments for 11 home game Test matches ($140,800), retainer payments at $297,000 for 52 weeks, retainer payments at $333,000 for 52 weeks and prizemoney for nine Test series at $27,000.

In the writ, MacGill said CA had signed him for one year and offered him a further one-year contract for 2008-09 campaign before he was "incapable" of playing as a result of "injuries and complications from injuries". He played his final Test on the 2008 tour of the West Indies.

Fairfax Media has unsuccessfully sought comment from MacGill on three different mobile phone numbers.