The last time Australia played two spinners in a home Test it was far from a resounding success, despite an eight-wicket win over South Africa at the SCG.
The move to play Stephen O'Keefe alongside Nathan Lyon in the Third Test against West Indies starting in Sydney on Sunday is the first time Australia have played two spinners at home since the SCG Test in January 2006.
An Australian win on that occasion wrapped up the three-Test series over South Africa after a drawn match in Perth and an 184 run win at the MCG. But it only came after Warne and MacGill had struggled with the ball and the visitors made a generous third innings declaration.
Warne took 2-106 and MacGill 1-102 in South Africa's first innings 9 (dec) - 451 in which both Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince scored hundreds. Brett Lee was the pick of Australia's bowlers with 3-82
Australian replied with 359 in their first innings as Ricky Ponting topscored with 120. South African offspinner Johan Botha took 1-26 off his seven overs, as seamer Andre Nel led the way for the visitors with 4-81.
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Warne went wicketless in the second innings as South African declared at 6-194, as Herschelle Gibbs lead the way with 67. MacGill took 3-33 off six overs, but those wickets came as South Africa pushed for quick runs in a bid to tie the series.
In the end Graeme Smith's declaration proved reckless as Australia cruised to an eight-wicket triumph largely on the bat of then skipper Ponting, who added to his first-inning hundred with an unbeaten 143 in the second dig.
However Australian captain Steve Smith is confident Lyon and O'Keefe can make inroads into the Windies batting lineup at the SCG this time around.
"It's going to spin and it gives us an opportunity now to see Steven and see how he goes," Smith said.
"They have bowled well together. Hopefully they can do that this week."
