Oz Optimistic About Starc's Availability for Sydney Test

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald remained optimistic about left-arm quick Mitchell Starc's availability for the crucial fifth and final Test in Sydney, starting January 3. Starc has been battling through sore ribs from day three of the Boxing Day Test but still managed to bowl effectively, including claiming the prized wicket of Virat Kohli on the final day.

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"Any time you get through the game, it's always a good indicator that you've a chance at the next game," McDonald told reporters after the hosts picked up a memorable victory at the MCG to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

"It didn't stop him (Starc). Clearly there was a little bit of discomfort early on in spells, but once he got warm it seemed as though he was pretty free. We'll see how everyone recovers. Bowling last, it was a pretty attritional game, something that we're not used to in the last few years."

"Clearly Starc's carrying something of some description. We'll assess that. But other than that, it looks as though we got through pretty unscathed, but with a short turnaround, recovery is important, and we'll assess what the team looks like in Sydney based upon the surface, as we always do," he added.