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Starc eyeing off SCG Test return

The Australia paceman is hoping to return for the fifth and final Ashes Test of the summer

Mitchell Starc was happy enough to miss the Boxing Day Test but conversations between him, selectors and medicos about the final Ashes Test could prove more complicated.

Starc suffered a bruised heel during Australia's crushing win at the WACA, which gave the hosts an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-Test series.

The left-armer was determined to prove his fitness for the ensuing MCG game, notably refusing to drink alcohol the night teammates celebrated reclaiming the urn.

WATCH: Starc reels in classic to dismiss Cook

Starc ditched the crutches at the weekend but was unable to train. A 30-second discussion with the team's physio and doctor on Christmas Eve confirmed he wouldn't play in the fourth Test.

Australia's spearhead insists he could have bowled under duress at the MCG but it would have been selfish to do so.

Starc is hopeful he will be fit enough to play his home Test, which starts on January 4.

"I am not having much luck with my front foot," Starc said in a commentary stint on the Nine Network.

WATCH: Smith confirms Starc to miss Boxing Day Test

"Hopefully it will be good enough (for the SCG Test). It was touch and go for this one.

"It was a bit more caution than anything. We will see how it comes up next week ... (brusied heels) aren't too predictable.

"Hopefully it goes away in the next couple of days and I can get ready for Sydney."

Australia are likely to adopt a conservative approach to Starc's injury. He suffered a stress fracture in the same foot during this year's tour of India.

Starc will be one of the first picked - and most important - members of the touring party for a four-Test series in South Africa.

Skipper Steve Smith, speaking on Christmas Day, wouldn't be drawn on Starc's chances of featuring in the Sydney Test.

"He's got a bit of a break now. A good chance to rest that foot with no load going through it. Hopefully he recovers really well," Smith said.

2017-18 International Fixtures

Magellan Ashes Series

Australia Test squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird.

England Test squad: Joe Root (c), James Anderson (vc), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Gary Ballance, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Mason Crane, Tom Curran, Ben Foakes, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Chris Woakes.

First Test Australia won by 10 wickets. Scorecard

Second Test Australia won by 120 runs (Day-Night). Scorecard

Third Test Australia won by an innings and 41 runs. Scorecard

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Tickets

Gillette ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Tickets

Fifth ODI Perth Stadium, January 28. Tickets

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Tickets

Gillette T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 14

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21