Starc cleared of serious injury

Australia spearhead Mitchell Starc remains in doubt for the Boxing Day Ashes Test but scans have confirmed the quick only has a bruised heel.

Starc's right foot injury was assessed in Sydney on Wednesday, with the paceman cleared of serious injury.

The left-armer will link up with the 13-man Test squad later this week in Melbourne.

It was revealed on Monday that Starc has a bruised heel on his front right landing foot, although he did bowl on the final day at the WACA Ground.

Starc has played in just one Boxing Day Test since making his debut in 2011, and he's desperate not to miss it this summer.

"I'm sure whatever the case is, he's going to be doing everything he can to play on Boxing Day," Australia first drop Usman Khawaja said on Tuesday.

"He bowled beautifully this game. He was obviously in a bit of pain. But I think they're going to have to assess it in the next couple of days."

As the reserve fast bowler in the squad, Jackson Bird would be the likely replacement should Starc be unable to play.

After scoring his maiden Test century – a colossal 181 – in Perth, Mitchell Marsh looks set to retain his place in the XI and keep hometown favourite Peter Handscomb on the sidelines.

In the past 20 years there's only been one drawn Test at the MCG – against India in 2014 – but each of the three JLT Sheffield Shield matches in the Victorian capital this summer have ended in draws on pitches that have favoured batting.

While it had been 39 years since England had won an Ashes Test at the WACA Ground, the tourists have a significantly better record in Melbourne.

In their last 10 Tests at the MCG stretching back to 1979-80, England have won four and lost six, including an Ashes-sealing win – by an innings and 157 runs – in 2010.

England are now playing for pride after losing the first three Tests of the summer by margins of 10 wickets, 120 runs and an innings and 41 runs.

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