Injured Australia pacer Starc set to miss World T20

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has decided to undergo surgery on his ankle and is likely to miss the World Twenty20 in India starting in March.

Starc has a long-term issue with bone spurs in his right ankle and decided to take the opportunity to have an operation to resolve the problem. He was recently sidelined by a foot injury sustained against New Zealand during the Test series.

"Mitchell met with specialists late last week to get an opinion on his recent foot injury and ongoing right ankle impingement. 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," national team physiotherapist David Beakley was quoted as saying by Sky Sports on Wednesday.

"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," he said.

Starc had established himself as Australia's Test spearhead this year but has long been one of their biggest bowling threats in the shorter formats of the game.

The sixth World Twenty20 will be hosted by India from March 11 to April 3.

Australia have never won the trophy, their best finish being in 2010 when they were beaten by England in the final.