Ashes 2015: Moeen Ali doubtful for second Test but Mitchell Starc fit for Australia

England and Australia have been handed contrasting injury news ahead of the decisive second Ashes test at Lord's starting on 16 July.

All-rounder Moeen Ali is doubtful for the hosts with the recurrence of a side problem, which he suffered after the first Test win in Cardiff.

The news is better for Australia, though, with confirmation that Mitchell Starc will likely be fit to take his place in the team despite picking up an ankle injury in the Welsh capital.

Starc was notably limping after each delivery in the second innings but has played a full part in training ahead of the second Test.

The update regarding Starc's fitness comes after Brad Haddin was withdrawn, and Shane Watson dropped for the upcoming match with Peter Nevill and Mitchell Marsh expected to be handed their Ashes debuts.

The New South Wales seamer was one of the few Australian players to emerge from the 169-run defeat with credit after finishing with match figures of seven for 174.

"Starcy is going really well," captain Michael Clarke said. "I'm pretty sure he will have to bowl a couple of overs today [15 July], just to triple check but I spoke to him yesterday and he was completely fine. That's a real positive for us.

"I spoke to him after the game and he was pretty sore, but he managed to get through and take [seven] wickets in the game which is pretty crucial for us."

Meanwhile, Ali, who scored 92 runs and took five wickets in the first test, will undergo a fitness test on the troublesome side problem in the morning of the match in order to determine his fitness for the game.

The Worcestershire player picked up a similar injury in England's penultimate World Cup match against Bangladesh, forcing him out of the first Test against the West Indies in April prior to his return for the remainder of the three-match series.

"He felt his side a tiny bit after the last game and, with his previous history, the medical team were wrapping him in cotton wool," skipper Alastair Cook said.

"We'll make a final call tomorrow but it was more precautionary yesterday. I don't think it's the same injury.

"It's like always when you've got two games back to back, you're a little bit careful with training. But unless he gets a reaction overnight I expect him to be in our side."

Should Ali come through the game, England are expected to be unchanged as they chase a third straight Test win over Australia at Lord's.