Starc missed the drawn fourth Test in Melbourne due to a heel injury, but the left-armer’s return is set to boost the hosts in the final match of the series in Sydney.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Australia captain Steve Smith said Starc – the leading wicket-taker of the series – was fit.

“Starcy pulled up pretty well this morning,” Smith, whose team hold an unassailable 3-0 series lead, said.

“He says he’s ready to go.”

Smith missed training on Tuesday due to a sore back, but the captain played down the significance of the injury.

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

Australia added Ashton Agar to their squad for the final Test, but it appears the left-armer will be overlooked.

Smith said the green SCG wicket meant the hosts would likely go into the Test with just one spinner in Nathan Lyon.

“The wicket has got a fair bit of grass and it looks to be a pretty good wicket so I’d say we’d probably opt for just the one spinner,” he said.

“Nathan’s done a terrific job throughout this series and I’d say we’d go down that route.”

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