Ankle injury comes back to haunt Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc limped off the Adelaide Oval midway during the opening day of the historic day-night Test due to an ankle problem. Starc has carried this ankle injury for months and looked troubled from his first delivery with the pink ball on day one at the Adelaide Oval. He showed some signs of discomfort in his opening spell. But, continued bowling and claimed three crucial wickets.

Starc was forced to leave the ground to go for scans after having winced in pain during his ninth over. He had just taken the wicket of debutant Mitchell Santner, his third scalp of the day. But, on his follow through, jumped off his strides and looked to be in great pain. Starc’s final spell lasted only one over and he was seen fielding at backward point before moving back to the dressing room. Later, a diagnosis cleared that he was suffering from an early stage stress fracture on the third metatarsal of his right foot. This meant that he would not be able to bowl in the historic Test again.

Ankle problems have been troubling Australia’s new pace spearhead since 2013. He previously required surgery for bone spurs in his right ankle in the same year. He was again affected by the problem during the Cardiff Test during this year’s Ashes series. He recovered on time to take part in the rest of the series. But, the problem has continued to trouble him. Doubts were also raised over Starc’s availability for the tour of Bangladesh which was postponed due to security concerns.

Starc bowled throughout the Matador Cup campaign where he took 26 wickets in six games at an average of 8.11 without any need to rely on pain killers. However, his workload during the first two Tests against New Zealand was very heavy. In the Perth Test, Starc had bowled more overs in a single game than he had ever bowled in his entire  career.

Australia’s captain Steven Smith looked aware of this and used him only for short spells today. But, today’s scene may force Australia’s medical staff to finally send Starc to a surgeon for an ankle surgery. If this happens, then he would certainly miss the West Indies series at home. However, he may recover in time for the New Zealand tour and the following World Twenty20.