Ashes 2017: Mitchell Starc returns to Australian team for fifth Test, replacing Jackson Bird

IN welcome news for Australia, pace spearhead Mitchell Starc will return from injury for Thursday’s fifth Test at the SCG.

Mitchell Starc is back in the Australian team for the fifth Ashes Test.

MITCHELL Starc has pulled up well and will play the Ashes series finale that starts at the SCG on Thursday.

Australia have confirmed Starc, who missed the fourth Test because of a bruised heel, will play the dead rubber.

“Starcy pulled up pretty well this morning. He says he’s ready to go,” Steve Smith said.

“The break he’s had from bowling has helped his heel heal. It’s coming along nicely so he’s confident and you’ve also got to take the player’s word sometimes.

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“Hopefully he gets through and he’s fine.” Starc has claimed Jackson Bird’s place in the team.

It means left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, who was added to Australia’s squad for the fifth Test, will be left out of the XI for the fifth Test. Bird, Agar and Peter Handscomb have been released to their respective Big Bash League clubs.

Mitchell Starc is back for the fifth Ashes Test.

Smith, who skipped Tuesday’s training session because of a sore back, confirmed he’ll be right to play the SCG dead rubber.

“A little bit stiff but nothing I haven’t dealt with before,” he said. “I’ll have a good hit today, a catch, and I’ll be fine tomorrow.”

Australia confirm Mitchell Starc to return in place of Jackson Bird.

Scheduled release of players for @BBL commitments:

Ashton Agar to Brisbane tomorrow
Peter Handscomb to Melbourne on Friday
Bird to Hobart on Sunday#Ashes

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) January 3, 2018

Originally published as Ashes 2017: Mitchell Starc returns to Australian team for fifth Test, replacing Jackson Bird