Starc returns for fifth Test

Sydney, January 3 

Australia captain Steve Smith brushed off concerns about his fitness on the eve of the fifth and final Ashes Test against England on Wednesday before Mitchell Starc’s return to spearhead the pace attack was confirmed as the only change to his team. 

Left-arm quick Starc, the leading wicket-taker in the series after claiming 19 in the first three Tests as Australia wrested back the Ashes, missed the drawn fourth Test in Melbourne with a bruised heel but confirmed his fitness in the nets. “Starcy’s pulled up pretty well this morning and said he’s ready to go,” Smith said. 

Woakes out, Crane to debut

England leg-spinner Mason Crane will make his debut in the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia this week after all-rounder Chris Woakes was ruled out of the match by injury. —  Reuters