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Starc confident of being fit for Pakistan Tests

Cape Town - Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc is confident that he will be fit for the Test series against Pakistan that takes place in the UAE in October.

The Aussies will travel to the Middle East country for a two-match series in the longest format but doubts remain about the fitness of their three pace bowlers - Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood.

 The left-arm paceman Starc missed the fourth Test in South Africa in March and also had to withdraw from the IPL due to a bone stress fracture on his right leg. 

Starc told Cricket Australia's website: "I'm definitely available for selection, as long as it all goes well over the next few weeks. 

"There's not many opportunities to play very much competitive cricket before that tour. 

"I'm aiming to play some practice games for NSW when they're up in Brisbane if that plan goes ahead. The (comeback) plan will keep changing and developing with how my progress is. 

"At the moment I'd like to think I'm very much available for selection for that UAE tour." 

The 28-year-old revealed that he has been back bowling in the nets during the last few weeks and is building up his intensity. 

Starc continued: "The body feels good, I've been bowling for three weeks. Once I've had a nice night's sleep here at the SCG (The Chappell Foundation's Sports Stars Sleepout initiative) I'm going to trek out to Blacktown and do some more bowling. 

"I think the plan is to bowl off my full run at about 85 per cent intensity."

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