Mitchell Starc to undergo surgery on his ankle

Australian pacer Mitcell Starc has returned home to undergo ankle surgery and will miss the fourth Test, which is scheduled to start on Friday.

Starc is set undergo a surgery that will have bone spurs on his right leg removed. He will be racing against the clock to fully recover ahead of the Ashes series and the ICC Champions trophy.

Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said Starc will undergo surgery this week and his recovery will be assessed as he returns to bowling.

“Mitch has been experiencing ankle pain related to bone spurs during the India Test series and whilst manageable this represents an appropriate time for Mitch to have the surgery with a view to having him fully fit for the Ashes in late June,” Brukner said in a statement.

Australian coach Arthur Mickey said, “He could have continued playing but we want to take a proactive approach in managing Mitch to have him fit for the Ashes.”

He also said that the medical team would continue to monitor Starc’s progress to see if the pacer will be fit to be selected for the ICC Champions Trophy.