Mitchell Starc to have ankle surgery in a bid for Ashes fitness

Australia bowler Mitchell Starc will have an operation on his ankle in order to regain fitness for this summer's Ashes series.

The 23-year-old has been forced to leave his side's tour of India ahead of the fourth Test, which gets underway on Friday.

"He could have continued playing but we want to take a proactive approach in managing Mitch to have him fit for the Ashes," BBC Sport quotes coach Mickey Arthur as saying.

"Our medical team will monitor his progress closely on whether he is available for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy."

Australia trail India 3-0 ahead of the final Test.