Mohali, March 19 : Cricket Australia (CA) said Tuesday that fast bowler Mitchell Starc will return home and will undergo surgery to remove the bone spurs on his right ankle.

Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said Starc will undergo surgery 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 bone spurs during the India Test series and whilst manageable this represents an appropriate time for Mitch to have the surgery with a view to having him fully fit for the Ashes in late June," Brukner said in a statement.

Australia coach Mickey Arthur said the priority was to keep Starc fit for the Ashes series in England.

"We were aware that Mitch would need surgery at some point to have the spurs removed.  He could have continued playing but we want to take a proactive approach in managing Mitch to have him fit for the Ashes series in England.

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