A fully-fit Mitchell Starc has declared himself ready to grind out long spells in the searing Dubai heat while backing Peter Siddle to return to Australian honours in the first Test against Pakistan.
Starc's return to full capacity comes at a critical time with fellow frontline quicks Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins unavailable for the series-opener starting on Sunday.
Veteran workhorse Siddle is every chance to edge out the uncapped Michael Neser for the remaining pace slot but the visitors could still field three debutants with Queensland bolter Marnus Labuschagne firming to line up alongside Travis Head and Aaron Finch.
Starc missed the final Test of the doomed South Africa tour with a stress reaction in his lower leg and was forced to also sit out the IPL and limited-overs tours of England and Zimbabwe.
But the left-armer has benefited strongly from the extended layoff and is ready to shoulder a heavy workload on a pitch certain to offer little assistance to the quicks.
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"I've done some hard work the last few months to get myself fit and strong and if they have to be long spells, I'm ready for it," Starc told reporters.
"At the same time, it'll be up to Tim (Paine) how we use the fast guys around the spinners.
"It was a mixture of things (that contributed to the injury), between the uneven creases in South Africa, a lot of bowling through the summer, you could put a few things down on the list. But I had a chance then to let everything heal without going to the IPL and a couple of winter tours.
"It's done that so I'm looking forward to feeling as fit as I have for a while."
Starc has also been named in a 14-man squad to play three T20s against Pakistan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi after the two Tests.
The 28-year-old hasn't played the shortest format since 2016 but has been recalled along with Nathan Lyon and Mitch Marsh as Australia prepare for the world T20 in two years' time.
Starc's immediate focus is on delivering with the red ball, a task he could share with 33-year-old Siddle should selectors back in the 211-Test wicket veteran.
"He's been away for a little bit but taken a lot of wickets in cricket in Australia and over in England as well," Starc said.
"A guy with a huge amount of experience. The ball seems to be coming out really well, he's in a very happy place, and if he suits up for us on the weekend I'm sure he'll do a fantastic job as he has done in the past."
The Australian squad on Friday visited one of Dubai's largest labour camps, touring facilities that play host to 7,500 migrant workers largely from the subcontinent who are often forced to endure extreme conditions.
