McGrath, 34, took a back seat to man of the series Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz during the three-match one-day international series in Zimbabwe.

McGrath claimed one wicket from his 26 overs on the abbreviated tour, but Ponting wants McGrath to resume his customary role with the new ball when the world champions resume the five-day game against Sri Lanka in Darwin and Cairns in less than five weeks.

"I'd be surprised if he didn't take the new ball in those games," Ponting said here on Monday upon returning from Zimbabwe.

Ponting said McGrath had worked hard on regaining rhythm and confidence in Zimbabwe, after an eight-month lay-off to recover from ankle surgery.

"It's all about him getting his rhythm back in the middle," Ponting said.

"You can do as much bowling as you like in the nets, but it's nowhere near as valuable as game practice is.

"He's got a bit of work to do yet, but with 400-odd Test wickets to his name, I'm sure he'll be back playing well again pretty soon."

McGrath, who knows he is in his senior years as a fast bowler, does not want to give up the tag "strike bowler", but has accepted his role may have to change.

Before leaving Zimbabwe he suggested he might look to emulate South African Allan Donald, who adapted his style when advancing years blunted his blistering speed.

"Through the latter part of his career he came on first change and really tied it up, put the pressure on and took wickets," he said.

McGrath said he was satisfied with his progress and "not too far away" from full form.

"The last one-dayer it was starting to feel really good. The rhythm was coming back then and I think that with another couple of matches, the zip and everything would have come back," McGrath said at Sydney Airport on Monday.

"I'll try to keep bowling the next couple of weeks and then hopefully I'll be ready to go."

Australia play Sri Lanka in back-to-back Tests in Darwin and Cairns in the first two weeks in July.