Aussie concerns ahead of Lord's Test

Australia are growing in confidence that Mitchell Starc will be fit to bowl in the second Test starting Thursday at Lord's.

Starc left the field on the first afternoon with what was confirmed to be an ankle problem and was clearly in pain bowling on the third day during England's second innings.

However, he was able to push through that pain, taking key wickets, and was also able to bat while the team slumped to a disappointing 169-run defeat in the Qantas Tour of the British Isle's opening Test match in Cardiff.

Bupa Support Team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Starc's condition was improving and the team was "hopeful" he would be fit for selection.

"Mitchell experienced some pain in the back of his right ankle during the Test match which is common with fast-bowlers," said Kountouris.

"He was in discomfort while bowling but since then has improved significantly.

"We will monitor him over the next few days but the plan is for him to take part in some light training and we are hopeful he will be available for selection for the second Test beginning on Thursday."

Video: Starc bowls through pain to dismiss Cook

Australia captain Michael Clarke spoke with Triple M in Melbourne, revealing that Starc underwent injections ahead of the tourists' second innings with the ball.

"'Starcy' obviously had some ankle pain and had an injection to bowl in the second innings, but the positive again was the fact that he was able to bowl and do what was needed for the team," Clarke told Triple M.

"He batted as well in the second innings and ran between the wickets fine.

"Spending a bit of time with the Australian physio today, he's confident that, although it's a short turnaround before the second Test, there's been a lot of positives come out of the last couple of days since he was cortisoned, and things are going really well there."