McGrath has been out for almost a year with an ankle injury

He has not played for Australia since last July because of an ankle injury.

"Glenn's 100% fit so it's sensible that he returns to the squad given his prior status as the premier fast bowler in the world," said chief selector Trevor Hohns.

"With the short nature of the tour, it is a good chance for Glenn to ease his way back into competitive cricket."

He added: "It gives us an opportunity to assess how well he is going in a view to the next 12 months and what lies ahead for the Australian cricket team."

All-rounder Cameron White is also named in the Test squad for the first time as back up to leg-spinner Shane Warne after Stuart MacGill made himself unavailable on moral grounds.

MacGill boycotts Zimbabwe tour

"We were keen to take two spinners to Zimbabwe and given Stuart's unavailability for the tour, we now have an opportunity to look at one of our younger spinners," said Hohns.

"His form in the [domestic competition] with both bat and ball was very good and we're looking forward to seeing him take the next step on the international stage."

All-rounder Andrew Symonds has been dropped from the Test side only weeks after making his debut in Sri Lanka but has kept his place in the one-day squad.

"Andrew's selection in the Test squad for Sri Lanka was exclusively based on the conditions in that country, and with the squad for Zimbabwe being reduced from 15 to 13, it wasn't necessary to take an extra batsman," Hohns explained.

"We all know that Andrew's a quality player and never out of our thoughts because of the flexibility he offers our squads with his all-round talents."

Australia are set to play two Tests and three one-dayers on the tour, which begins on 17 May.

England are set to tour Zimbabwe in October but the trip is in jeopardy on political and moral grounds over President Robert Mugabe's controversial regime.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe cricket is in tatters with 15 senior players refusing to play at the sacking of captain Heath Streak and controversial selection policies.

Test squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Michael Kasprowicz, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, Darren Lehmann, Shane Warne, Cameron White, Brad Williams.