The 32-year-old needs four in this week's third Test against Pakistan in Sharjah to reach 400.

But McGrath's ultimate goal is to emulate the feat of former West Indies captain Courtney Walsh, who took 519 wickets in 132 Tests during his career.

"That's been my aim for some time, getting to 500. Hopefully the body will hold up till then. I work very hard off the field, the body feels pretty good," he said.

"I just love to play for Australia, whether it is Tests or one-day internationals. The only tough thing is to be away from the family for so long."

McGrath took seven wickets in the first two Tests against Pakistan, with the bulk of the damage done by leg-spinner Shane Warne.

But his wickets have come at a cost of only 13 runs each, underlining the relentless accuracy which has made him the seam bowler opposition batsmen least like to face.

Perhaps the biggest problem facing McGrath in the third Test will again be the heat.

Temperatures touched 51 degees C during the second game, which Australia won in two days, and they are again looking to wrap things up as quickly as possible.

"It was so hot out there that three or four over spells left you cooked for the rest of the day," he said.

"The young Pakistani batsmen did well in the first Test mainly because we had not seen them before.

"But we worked on a plan here and it went off pretty well. Pakistan did not have the heart to stay out there in the middle like Matthew Hayden did for us."