McGrath has not played international cricket since January because his wife has been battling cancer.

And the 37-year-old plans to use the tournament to shake off any rust before the home Ashes series against England which follows.

"You've got to trust him to a certain degree," Ponting commented.

"We've spoken long and hard to Glenn over the last few months about what he thinks his best preparation is, and he thinks it is to go into the summer (at home) this way."

"Every time he's returned from India he's felt like he's been bowling very well.

"It's a hard place to bowl over there, with the conditions the way they are, but he thinks it's a great workout for him and the rest of the bowlers," said Ponting.

Prior to the Champions Trophy, Australia will take part in a tri-series against India and West Indies in Kuala Lumpur.

And Ponting insisted they would still have the Ashes in mind, even though the focus will be on one-day cricket.

"I don't think one-day form as such counts for a lot as far as Test form goes, but if you're out in the middle, scoring runs or taking wickets, it doesn't matter what form of the game you are playing.

"That's the way we have to approach it. Once we're in Malaysia and in India, we've got to have the bigger picture in mind as well," he added.