Australia in Sri Lanka 2004

Aussie pace bowler Glenn McGrath is refusing to rush himself back into action despite his ongoing recovery from ankle surgery.

McGrath, 33, has not played since July, missing the Test series defeat of Zimbabawe and the draw with India.

He has delayed his comeback three times, the latest false dawn NSW's one-day clash with Queensland on Saturday.

McGrath said: ""I don't want to come back and struggle, I want to come back and be firing from ball one."

It seems likely that McGrath will not recover in time to play in the one-day series at the start of Australia's tour to Sri Lanka in February and March.

But the 95-Test veteran reported the ankle in good shape and remained hopeful for the three Test matches that follow.

"It's probably the best it's felt for a long time, so I am very happy with it," said McGrath, who has taken 430 Test wickets.

"What I've had done will probably lengthen my career once it's 100% right.

"I'd like to have another couple of years at least, I still have goals in one-day cricket I want to achieve."

Lee calls on Lillee

Former Australia Test stars Dennis Lillee and Bruce Reid were optimistic McGrath could stay at the top for a while yet.

Fast bowling legend Lillee said: "Although he's reaching the age most fast bowers retire, he could, barring injury, play for another couple of seasons.

"He may need to assess his playing program to enable him to stay in the game.

"He's got to make sure he gets enough rest for his body, but I just think his fitness and his economical action is really a bonus for him at his age."

Reid, who is advising India on their current tour of Australia, paid tribute to McGrath's durability.

"He's up there with one of the mentally toughest cricketers I've ever seen," Reid said.

"You don't play 12 years of Test cricket without being mentally tough, leading an attack for that long in all parts of the world.

"He's also got a very sound action. There's no doubt that's why he's been relatively injury-free over his career. I actually use it a lot as reference when I'm coaching others."