Starc to go under knife for ankle surgery

Australia's worst fears have been confirmed, with injured quick Mitchell Starc booked in for an operation that will end his summer and make him an unlikely starter for the World T20 in India next year.

Cricket Australia confirmed on Thursday that Starc will go under the knife to repair an ongoing ankle issue, one he's been managing for most of the year.

The left-armer was ruled out of the current series against the West Indies due to stress fractures in his right foot and it's been decided to use the injury lay-off to finally repair his troublesome ankle.

"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," said Cricket Australia Physiotherapist David Beakley.

"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."

The loss of Starc is a cruel blow for Australia, who will be without the 25-year-old for at least their Test tour of New Zealand in February and probably the World T20 in March and April.

Watch: Stress fracture a blow for Starc

Starc's absence adds to the loss of Mitchell Johnson (retirement) and Pat Cummins (injury), which means three of Australia's four frontline quicks from their successful World Cup campaign this year will likely miss the World T20.

Throw in the retirement of Ryan Harris earlier this year, and Australia's much-vaunted fast-bowling depth is set to face a stern test over the coming months.

Veteran Peter Siddle and World Cup winner Josh Hazlewood will carry the bulk of the workload in the Test arena, while fit again paceman James Pattinson will be a crucial factor in all three forms of the game.

Western Australia's Nathan Coulter-Nile is seemingly the next fast-bowler in line, based on his selection in the 12-man squad for the first Test against the Windies.

Australia's preparations for the World T20 - the only major tournament they've never won - begin in earnest with three T20s against India in late January.

They will then warm up for the world championship in India with three matches in South Africa in March.