Australian gloveman Tim Paine along with the pace spearhead Mitchell Starc seem to be doubtful to play for Australia in the Boxing Day Test against England in Melbourne.

Starc restrained through Melbourne airport on crutches on Friday cushioning a damaged heel but was not yet ready to concede defeat. Talking about his selection, Starc said, “It won’t be my choice.”

Reports said that Starc could be ruled out of the fourth Test as soon as Saturday if he is unable to recover in time than Jackson Bird might get into the playing XI.

With Australia having already has taken the Ashes back, another factor against the lanky pacer playing in the Melbourne Test is an upcoming series in South Africa, with selectors keen to pick a healthy Starc in the touring party.

Paceman Ryan Harris, who often played with a niggle throughout a Test career that included Australia’s home Ashes success four years ago, knows how much of an impediment a bruised heel can be.

On Friday, some reports suggested that Paine is also no certainty to play in the showpiece Melbourne Cricket Ground Test. He did not travel to Melbourne with the rest of his squad because of personal reasons. The Daily Telegraph reported that Paine had remained at home in Tasmania after his father-in-law suffered a stroke.

If Paine is unavailable for the MCG Test, selectors might have to try out dropped batsman Peter Handscomb, while Cameron Bancroft was behind the stumps for Western Australia during the early rounds of the domestic Sheffield Shield season, can also be the suitable option.