Ashes 2017-18: Aussies speedster, Mitchell Starc back for the fifth Test

The leading wicket-taker of the series, Mitchell Starc who missed out the fourth Test match due to a heel bruising, is back for the final encounter of the Ashes 2017-18. Starc contributed to Australia’s command on the Ashes trophy by claiming 19 wickets in the three matches. The left-arm seamer marked his presence in the training session on Tuesday, while skipper Steve Smith missed out the session due to a sore back.

Starc’s return was confirmed as the only change to the team before the final clash against the Englishmen. He is still the leading wicket-taker in the series despite missing the fourth Test match. He will now will replace Jackson Bird in the XI. Thus far in the series, Australia won the first three Tests while the fourth was a draw.

Australia to go with three pacers

Though the SCG has always helped the spinners, the home side is looking to play with three pacers. Ashton Agar might be restricted to the sidelines as Nathan Lyon has done pretty well for his skipper. On the other hand, Bird couldn’t pick a single wicket in the previous match and will make way for the pace spearhead.

“Starcy has pulled up pretty well this morning and he says he’s ready to go. I guess that’s a good indication. I’ve told him to make sure you are completely fit and we don’t want you to be doing further damage. We’ve got some ODIs and T20Is after this and the important series in South Africa. We’ve wrapped up the series which is great. We want to continue winning and that’s important for us but he’s a key member and we don’t want him to do further damage because we’ll need him in South Africa,” the Aussies skipper said.

“The break he’s had from bowling has helped his heel heal. It’s coming on nicely. He’s confident and you have to take the player’s word sometimes,” Smith added, announcing his return.

The left-arm quick’s comeback will strengthen the Aussies, further. They will look to wrap up the series with a win in the final Test match.

Smith all set to play on his home ground, the SCG

There were concerns regarding Steve Smith‘s fitness as he didn’t take part in the training session on Tuesday. However, with the announcement of the only change – the return of Starc, all uncertainties have been cleared. Smith has performed really well, this Ashes. He is the highest run-scorer with 604 runs at an average of 151.

“It’s a little bit stiff but nothing I haven’t dealt with before. I’ll have a good hit today, a catch, and I’ll be fine tomorrow,” Smith spoke on his sore back. “It’s been nice, I’m batting well, I’m feeling really good at the crease. For me, it’s just ensuring I don’t get too far ahead of myself. If you walk out there and expect you’re going to get runs the game can bite you pretty quickly. 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,” the star batsman added.

Playing XI: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood