The race is on for Mitchell Starc to be fit for the New Year’s Test in Sydney after the big fast bowler was reportedly sent for scans on Wednesday.

However, teammate Alex Carey predicted that the “tough” quick would be ready for the contest no matter what.

“He’ll be fine. He’ll push through,” Carey told reporters on Wednesday.

“I’ve played with Starcy for a long time now, and (he’s) one of the toughest cricketers I’ve played with.

“He’ll grimace, he’ll grab his rib no doubt, but he’ll be ready for the contest.”

Starc produced a brilliant display on the final day of the epic Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, his swing too good for India’s top order as he bowled 16 overs for just 25 runs and a wicket.

Despite the masterclass, the left-armer never looked comfortable, grabbing at his side and ribs after deliveries, especially when coming back from a breather.

Carey described Starc’s efforts in his opening spell of the second innings as the 34-year-old’s best of the four Tests to date as Australia took a 2-1 series lead to make themselves favourites to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade.

“He’s a quality player and has been for a long time. He’s got an opportunity now to help this team in a Test match,” Carey said.

“He’ll be up for the contest, and I think his bowling’s just gotten better throughout the series.”

With Josh Hazlewood having been ruled out of the series with a calf strain after the Brisbane contest, Starc missing would leave Australia short of two spearheads, with WA’s Jhye Richardson and NSW’s Sean Abbott waiting in the wings as reserves.

Scott Boland replaced Hazlewood in Melbourne and will retain his spot for the series finale barring a late niggle.

West Australian all-rounder Mitch Marsh’s place in the side will also be up for debate after a lean series with the bat, culminating in scores of four and zero on a batting-friendly wicket at the MCG.

When asked how much reclaiming the trophy would mean to the Australian dressing room, Carey quickly returned focus to the five days at hand in Sydney first.

“We can’t look too far ahead,” he said.

“We know it’s a really quality outfit in India, who have shown they are well and truly capable of bouncing back with quality players, legends of Test cricket.

“So for this group, it’s head down, another opportunity to win a Test match, and if we are able to secure the trophy, it would be fantastic.”