Steve Smith Misses Training Ahead of the Fifth Test at Sydney

Australian skipper Steve Smith opted out of Australia’s training session earlier today with a sore back. However, the spearhead of Australia’s fast bowling Mitchell Starc joined the practice and is raring to go. Australia will lock horns for the fifth time in this series from Thursday.

Mitchell Starc missed the Boxing Day Test with a bruised heel which was played out for a draw. However, he is hopeful to take the field for the fifth Test.

Australia regained the Ashes Urn with victories in the first three tests of the five-match series.

The 27-year-old Starc took part in fielding drills before bowling off his full run-up for more than half hour. However, Steve Smith is expected to join the training session on Wednesday.

Jackson Bird, who replaced Starc in the fourth Test failed to make a mark with no wickets besides his name. Starc’s teammate Pat Cummins is, however, confident of Starc’s return.

“I haven’t spoken to him but he looked like he was bowling quick, running around and not limping. He’s really keen to play and pretty confident he can play. They’ll see how he recovers … the last couple of weeks it’s certainly got a lot better,” Cummins said of Starc’s return.

However, Australia’s team management may not risk Starc with an important South Africa series coming up.

Ashton Agar has been drafted to Australia’s squad for the fifth test and could join Nathan Lyon in the starting XI at the spin-friendly SCG.

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