Australia are in trouble in the first test and their prospects for the second took a hit with news fast bowler Mitchell Starc is battling a potential recurrence of bone spurs in his ankle which could put him out of the Ashes series with England.
The left-arm quick has been battling pain in his right ankle since bowling on day one in Cardiff and showed great courage to get through 16 overs in England's second innings on Friday to finish with 2-60.
With only three days between the scheduled close of play on Sunday and the start of the Lord's encounter, Starc could face a race against time, with Peter Siddle in line to take his place should he not be fit.
Michael Clarke's side face an uphill task to avoid defeat in the opening Test, needing 412 batting last on a pitch that is showing some signs of deterioration at Swalec Stadium.
With Ryan Harris forced to retire last week due to a knee injury, the tourists bowling stocks are already stretched and the loss of Starc, who finished with match figures of 7-164, would be a hammer blow, especially if they are defeated in the Welsh capital.
