Ashes: Australia 'Hopeful' Over Mitchell Starc's Fitness

Australia are optimistic fast bowler Mitchell Starc will be fit to face England in the second Ashes Test at Lord's starting on Thursday. (Lehmann Hints at Australia Changes)

The left-arm paceman suffered a right ankle injury during the series opener in Cardiff and needed pain-killing injections to finish the game, which England won by 169 runs with more than a day to spare on Saturday to go 1-0 up in the five-match series.

With just four days until the second Test gets underway, concerns had been voiced as to whether Starc, who was Australia's leading bowler at Cardiff's Sophia Gardens with seven wickets in 40.1 overs, would have sufficient time in which to recover. (Aussie Media Calls for Watson, Haddin Sacking)

Australia do have experienced paceman Peter Siddle, who didn't play in the first Test in a squad which lost fellow right-arm quick Ryan Harris on the eve of the Ashes wen the veteran bowler announced his retirement from all cricket because of a knee injury. (Complete Ashes Coverage)

But team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris tried to allay fears over Starc's fitness by telling reporters on Sunday: "We will monitor him over the next few days but the plan is for him to take part in some light training."

Kountouris added: "Mitchell experienced some pain in the back of his right ankle during the Test match which is common with fast-bowlers.

"He was in discomfort while bowling but since then has improved significantly.

"We are hopeful he will be available for selection for the second Test beginning on Thursday."