Australian fast bowling spearhead Glenn McGrath is making a steady recovery from ankle surgery and is on track to play in next month's historic Test cricket series against Zimbabwe.

The durable fast bowler had minor surgery on his left ankle following the Test series against Bangladesh in July.

Cricket Australia said surgeon Martin Sullivan was pleased with the veteran quick's progress before the opening Test of the two match series which starts October 9 at the WACA Ground.

It is the first time Zimbabwe has played the longer version of the game on Australian soil.

"Glenn and (Australian team physiotherapist) Errol Alcott visited specialist Martin Sullivan and he is very happy with his progress," a Cricket Australia spokesperson told AAP.

"At this stage he will be continually reviewed until before the first Test, where he will be reassessed in Perth under Errol's guidance with the coaching staff and selectors.

"They are very pleased at this stage with his progress and he has been bowling in the nets for the past week."

McGrath is the sixth highest wicket-taker in Test history with 430 scalps at 21.71 from 95 Tests.

He needs just five wickets this summer to overtake New Zealand great Richard Hadlee and former Indian hero Kapil Dev on the list of all-time Test wicket-takers.

West Indian Courtney Walsh heads the list with 519 wickets ahead of Shane Warne (491) and Muttiah Muralitharan (459).

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