Australia bowler Mitchell Starc set for ankle surgery

Australia bowler Mitchell Starc is set to undergo ankle surgery in an attempt to be fit for this summer's Ashes tour.

Starc, 23, has returned home early from the tour of India and will miss the fourth Test, which starts on Friday.

He will have bone spurs in his right ankle removed and hopes to be fit for the ICC Champions Trophy in June.

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

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

Arthur's side trail 3-0 in the series ahead of the fourth and final Test against India.