Australian pace great Glenn McGrath says his ankle feels better than ever after a successful return to bowling following a seven-month layoff.

McGrath, who hasn't played since undergoing two ankle operations following the second Test against Bangladesh in Cairns last July, took 1-11 off 10 overs for Sutherland in a Sydney grade game against Fairfield-Liverpool at Caringbah Oval.

The 34-year-old bowler had to wait til 5pm because his side batted first, but he showed relatively few signs of rustiness.

State colleague Grant Lambert hit McGrath for two boundaries in his seventh over, but the wiry paceman had him caught at second slip in the same over.

Renowned run miser McGrath conceded just three other singles as he bowled 10 overs without a break.

Describing it as his "pre-season at the end of the season" McGrath said he felt OK, though he was a little tired and fatigued towards the end of his spell.

"The ankle felt great, I wasn't even aware of it at all, it actually felt better than I can ever remember it feeling," McGrath said after stumps.

"It was good, the first hitout, if it feels that way, I think it will only get stronger and improve.

"The rhythm seemed to build as I went on, I was just a little bit wide of off stump to where I wanted, but generally not too bad."

Despite his lengthy layoff, McGrath said he only took it easy for the first couple of deliveries before no longer being conscious of the ankle.

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