Melbourne, Australia, which has taken a 2-1 lead in the series against India, will definitely have concerns about Mitchell Starc's fitness before the Sydney Test, who was seen struggling with inflammation in the ribs during the Melbourne Test. Apart from this, its all-rounder batsman Mitchell Marsh has neither been able to show any magic with the bat nor has he been able to make any impact in bowling. In such a situation, Australia would also like to tighten its two aspects in the Sydney Test. However, its coach Andrew McDonald refused to express concern on these in order to appear psychologically strong.

Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald admitted that Mitchell Marsh has not lived up to expectations in batting against India and he also expressed hope that Mitchell Starc will be able to play the fifth Test in Sydney. Starc's fitness remains a cause of concern for Australia, who has been struggling with inflammation in the ribs since the third day of the Boxing Day Test, but he bowled effectively and took the wicket of Virat Kohli.

After winning the MCG Test, McDonald told the media, 'Even the pain could not stop Starc. He had trouble in the initial spell but after that he bowled freely. Let's see how he recovers. We will decide the team combination after seeing the pitch of Sydney Cricket Ground.'

If Australia wins or draws the Sydney Test, then for the first time after 2014-15, the Border Gavaskar Trophy will be in its name. If India wins, then the trophy will remain with India and this will be the record 5th time in a row. If Starc is unable to play the Sydney Test, then Jhae Richardson or Sean Abbott can fill that gap.

McDonald said, 'I am sure that Starc will be able to play. By the way, Richardson and Sean Abbott are also here. We will decide after seeing the pitch.' Defending Marsh, who could score only 73 runs in four Tests, he said, 'His mental preparation is good. There is no doubt that the performance should be better. He could not do this in the last four Tests but we are not worried. People are making too much of it. We did not need him in bowling.