But on Sunday the former Australian quick was treated like a king when he visited the tiny rural town for the first time.

Walbundrie secured McGrath's visit for the day after club treasurer Sue Collins won a competition asking why the former fast bowler should be part of Walbundrie’s Pink Stumps Day.

"I hadn't really heard of Walbundrie until it won the competition," McGrath said.

"I've been to Henty previously and to the Henty Field Days a couple of times and that's the closest I've been.

"I did a bit of googling before I arrived and apparently the population is 140.

"So to have over 500 here today is incredible and I can't thank the people who attended enough for supporting The Pink Stumps Day and McGrath Foundation."

The Pink Stumps Day plays a vital fundraising role to help achieve the foundation’s mission of ensuring every family affected by breast cancer has access to a free McGrath breast care nurse.

McGrath was raised on a farm near Narromine and was all too familiar with drought and the effect it has on local farmers.

"It's been a tough year right around NSW and Queensland with the drought so to have this support is pretty special," he said.

"I grew up on a sheep and wheat farm about 10 kilometres out of Narromine and wouldn't swap my upbringing in the bush for anything.

"It's a great lifestyle but bloody tough with drought."

McGrath said sport played a big role and was the heart and soul of  local communities.

"I see a lot of small towns that are going by the wayside," he said.

"But then you can come to a town like Walbundrie and see how they love their cricket and I believe the footy is even bigger.

"Sport is the glue that holds these small communities together."

McGrath retired from elite cricket in 2007.

Despite battling arthritis and a dodgy knee, he agreed to bowl an over on Sunday for Walbundrie with Henty captain Mark White facing three balls and 15-year-old Tom Newton also facing three balls.

"I try not to bowl these days but I will bowl an over today," he said.

"I'm wearing my R.M. Williams today so it will be interesting to see how I go.

"I like to have an excuse for why I'm not bowling quick."

White said it was a huge thrill to face McGrath who was ranked the No. 1 bowler in the world in 2006.

"He didn't take it very seriously - he bowled in his R.M. Williams," White said.

"He said 'look after me' and I said I should be the one saying 'look after me' to you.

"I was rapt for Tom as well."

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