McGrath remains Australia's premier seam bowler

He wants to be match fit for the Ashes in Australia at the end of the year after taking time off to care for his wife Jane, who has cancer.

"Personally, I feel that it would be perfect for me to play in the Champions Trophy and have a couple of games in the Pura Cup," McGrath said.

"If the selectors would prefer me to look at county cricket, I would."

McGrath has begun pre-season training in an effort to stay fit and the 36-year-old believes he still has a big role to play in the Ashes, which start on 23 November in Brisbane.

"I've got no doubts at all that I will be definitely ready to go. Now we've got to see what the best preparation is," said McGrath.

His wife was diagnosed with cancer for the third time at the beginning of the year and McGrath was hopeful she was winning the fight.

"She's still going through treatment (but) it's only once every three weeks at the moment, so it's not too arduous and she's coping really well," he added.