Paine doubtful for Boxing Day Test

MELBOURNE: Wicketkeeper Tim Paine has joined pace spearhead Mitchell Starc as a doubt for Australia in the Boxing Day Test against England in Melbourne.

Starc hobbled through Melbourne airport on crutches cushioning a bruised heel but was not yet ready to concede defeat.

“It won’t be my choice,” he told reporters, on his possible selection.

Reports said that Starc, who is Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the Ashes series with 19, could be ruled out of the fourth Test as soon as Saturday.

If Starc is unable to recover in time understudy Jackson Bird is expected to take his place in the XI.

With Australia having already claimed the Ashes, another factor against the leftarmer playing in the Boxing Day 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 in pain 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.

“I have had it. They can be quite painful,” Harris told radio on Friday.

“You can’t hide it. You can’t change anything -- the way you land or try and get around it.”

Reports emerged on Friday that Paine is also no certainty to play in the showpiece Melbourne Cricket Ground Test.

Paine, who is averaging 43.33 with the bat and has taken 15 catches and a stumping in the series, did not travel to Melbourne with the rest of his teammates because of personal reasons.