Injured Mitchell Starc 'unlikely' to play in World T20

Hobart (Australia), Dec 10: Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc will have ankle surgery and is "unlikely" to play in the World Twenty20 tournament in India next year, Cricket Australia said today.

Starc, who has had trouble with his right ankle stemming back to the Ashes series in England this year, suffered a stress fracture of the same foot in the day-night third Test against New Zealand in Adelaide late last month. It has now been decided he needs ankle surgery meaning Starc will miss the remainder of the Australian season.

Mitchell Starc uses crutches after his injury recently

"After discussions with specialists, and in consultation with Mitchell, we believe the best course of action would be for Mitchell to have the surgery for his ankle impingement now while he is currently laid off with the stress fracture in his foot," CA physiotherapist David Beakley said in a statement.

"His return to play time frames will be clearer once the surgery is complete but it is unlikely that he will be available for the ICC World T20."

Left-armer Starc, 25, is Australia's leading strike bowler and has taken 91 wickets in 25 Tests at 30.58.

He also bowled the fastest-recorded Test delivery of 160.4 kilometres per hour (99.7mph) during the drawn second Perth Test.

A date for surgery is yet to be confirmed. The World T20 takes place in India in March-April 2016.

AFP