Glenn McGrath warmed up for the first Test with his best spell in "I don't know how long" thanks to a lightweight pair of shoes borrowed from Shane Watson that put some spring back in the old man's step.

By all accounts, Watson is a good guy who would give you the shirt off his back, but in McGrath's case it was handing over a pair of size 12s that revitalised the veteran fast bowler on the eve of what is going to be a gruelling series against India.

McGrath was hugely optimistic about his Test prospects after taking 4-28 from 20.2 overs against Mumbai at Brabourne Stadium, an unwaveringly accurate and varied performance that suggested he was back to his penetrative best.

"That was the best it's felt in I don't know how long, quite a few years," said McGrath, whose 11-year Test career was in serious jeopardy earlier this year when ankle troubles persisted.

"I tried something different - I tried lighter boots.

"My normal boots are a kilo each and these are half a kilo. It made me feel so much lighter. I felt I was running in well and my follow through, which is always a key to how well I'm bowling, felt as light as it's been for a long time.

"I was mixing it up a lot to try every type of ball and they were coming out really well. I couldn't be happier after this match. I came off after bowling and I had that much energy, I couldn't sit still."

McGrath, whose preparations for India hit a snag last month when he conceded 0-46 from eight lacklustre overs in the Champions Trophy semi-final against England, was forced to search for new boots when his regular model went out of stock.

"They (Puma) made up a new batch, but they only had four left and they weren't going to make them anymore," said McGrath.

"I had to change sooner or later.

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