Australia paceman Mitchell Starc will play in the fifth and final Ashes Test against England in Sydney starting Thursday.

After captain Steve Smith said it was likely the left-armer would return from his heel injury, Australia confirmed their team for the SCG Test.

Starc, the leading wicket-taker in the Ashes series, replaces Jackson Bird in the only change for Australia.

On a flat MCG pitch in the fourth Test, Bird finished with figures of 0-108.

Starc has taken 19 wickets at an average of 21.05 during the Ashes, helping Australia into an unassailable 3-0 series lead.