Australia’s injured pacer Mitchell Starc worked out in the nets but skipper Steve Smith came for training on Tuesday because of a niggle in his back as the hosts prepared for the fifth and the final Ashes Test against England.

Starc also didn’t featured in the drawn fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground because of an injured right heel but is hoping to make a come back for the Sydney Cricket Ground finale beginning Thursday.

The southpaw also took part in fielding drills then spent more than half an hour bowling off his full run-up. While Smith is expected to train on Wednesday.

Starc was replaced in Melbourne by Jackson Bird, who failed to scalp a wicket despite the supports of pacers like Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.

Talking about Starc’s return, Cummins said, “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.”

The left-arm lanky pacer could be rested from the final Test to ensure he is fit for a four-Test tour of South Africa that begins March 1 in Durban. Ashton Agar has been included in Australia’s squad for the final Test and could join Nathan Lyon in the starting XI at the spin-friendly SCG.