Saturday 23 December 2017 10:49, UK
Mitchell Starc remains a doubt for the fourth Ashes Test but has been cleared of serious injury with scans confirming a bruised heel.
Starc, who is the leading wicket taker in the series with 19, returned home on crutches after the third Test at the WACA, having helped his side regain the urn to give Australia a 3-0 lead.
But scans have detected only bruising, and he will travel to Melbourne where he will be reassessed before the traditional Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
With the Ashes won, Australia may rest Starc ahead of next year's tour of South Africa but the 27-year-old has played in just one Boxing Day Test since making his debut in 2011 and will be keen to continue his great form.
As a precaution, Australia have retained seamer Jackson Bird in their 13-man squad, rather than releasing him to play for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.
