Starc fit to face England in final Test

Australian fast bowler returns to the side in place of Jackson Bird

Australia have been boosted by the return of Mitchell Starc to the Test side ahead of the final game of the Ashes series.

Starc was ruled out of the fourth installment in Melbourne last week because of a heel injury but that has cleared up in time for the clash with England at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which is due to start on Thursday.

The New South Wales seamer replaces Jackson Bird, who made very little impact when covering for his team-mate in Sydney.

Bird returned figures of 0-108 during England's solitary innings of 491 in the drawn Test.

On the other hand, Starc has enjoyed a prolific series with the ball, claiming 19 wickets from his three matches to date at an average of just over 21.

Meanwhile, Australia decided not to draft in a second spinning option for Sydney, with Ashton Agar released to play in the Big Bash.

Steve Smith, the Baggy Green captain, hinted that he expects the pitch at the SCG to favour the quicks over the coming five days.

He said prior to the final team being announced: "I think the wicket's got a fair bit of grass and looks to be a pretty good wicket, so I'd say we'll probably opt for just the one spinner." 

Meanwhile, the skipper said he was fine to play despite suffering from a sore back in recent days.

"It's a little bit stiff but nothing I haven't dealt with before," Smith said.

"I'll have a good hit and a good catch today and I'll be fine tomorrow.

"I love batting out here at the SCG, it's my home ground and I've made a few good scores. So hopefully I can continue the run."

MORE FROM THE CRICKETER: England hand debut to Crane as Woakes misses out

LATEST NEWS

STAY UP TO DATE Sign up to our newsletter...
SIGN UP

Thank You! Thank you for subscribing!

Units 7-8, 35-37 High St, Barrow upon Soar, Loughborough, LE128PY

website@thecricketer.com

Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.