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The Ashes: Hazlewood tipped to return at SCG

Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood was looking sharp in the nets on Monday and is winning his fitness race ahead of the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney on Wednesday.

Australia are priced at 2/1 to complete a 5-0 series whitewash and there is a good chance they could have their strongest bowling attack reunited for the first time since the first Test.

Injury issues

Hazlewood has missed the last two Tests after picking up a side strain and in his absence Jhye Richardson and Scott Boland have taken it in turns to fill his boots.

The duo did a more than adequate job but with Hazlewood looking back to full fitness both are set to miss out at the SCG.

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Hazlewood to make fitness call

Co-captain Steve Smith faced Hazlewood in the nets on Monday and believes the pace ace is ready to step back into the side.

"The ball seemed to be coming through quite nicely," Smith said. "I'm not sure how he pulled up or how he's going. I'm sure we'll find out in the next day or so. I know the guys have a lot of trust in him to make the right decision.

"He knows his body better than anybody, he's played a lot of cricket and we've got a lot of faith in Josh in whatever he wants to do."

Smith backing pace

Australia also look set to resist the temptation of resting Mitchell Starc and replacing him with another spinner in the form of Mitchell Swepson.

Smith says the pitch at the SCG looks like it will favour a pace attack over spin.

"Looking at this wicket there seems to be a fair amount of grass," he added. "I dare say it won't take too much spin late in the game, which is the old traditional SCG we're used to seeing and which I would love to see, personally."

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