Cricket Australia (CA) said Tuesday that fast bowlerMitchell Starc will return home and will undergo surgery to remove the bonespurs on his right ankle.
Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said Starc will undergosurgery this week and his recovery will be assessed as he returns to bowling.Starc will miss the fourth Test against India.
"Mitch has been experiencing ankle pain related to bonespurs during the India Test series and whilst manageable this represents anappropriate time for Mitch to have the surgery with a view to having him fullyfit for the Ashes in late June," Brukner said in a statement.
Australia coach Mickey Arthur said the priority was to keepStarc fit for the Ashes series in England.
"We were aware that Mitch would need surgery at somepoint to have the spurs removed. He could have continued playing but we want totake a proactive approach in managing Mitch to have him fit for the Ashesseries in England.
"Our medical team will monitor his progressclosely on whether he is available for selection for the ICC ChampionsTrophy," he said.