McGrath has been out of action since February in order to care for his wife, who has cancer.

But Clarke said: "We trained together a couple of times last week and he's in good spirits.

"I know Glenn is keen as mustard to play and it's just a matter of making sure everything is OK at home."

Australia are desperate to reclaim the Ashes after losing 2-1 in England last year, beaten at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge.

Ironically, McGrath miss both those Tests because of injury.

The 36-year-old is the most successful seam bowler in Test history, having taken 542 wickets in 119 appearances, and a return to action by him would be a major boost to Australia's chances.

"He's an absolute champion. He is great for someone like me, a young guy, to associate with.

"He loves training and he loves pushing himself. It's great to be good mates with him and it's great to see him back at training," said Clarke.

McGrath would be first choice to take the new ball with Brett Lee, leaving the selectors to choose a third seamer from Stuart Clark, Jason Gillespie, Shaun Tait or any other bowler who thrusts himself into the reckoning before the opening Test starts on 23 November.