Australia reveal Mitchell Starc required cortisone injections to last the tour of England

Mitchell Starc takes the wicket of Liam Plunkett in the 2nd ODI against England

Mitchell Starc, who has been a constant presence in the Australian pace bowling battery for the last 18 months, has a chronic right ankle for which he required cortisone during the recent tour of England, Cricket Australia have revealed.

However, the young star is not going to be rested any time soon. CA are not considering the option of having surgery on his ankle in the short term, and have also named him in the squad to tour Bangladesh next month. He is also being reported to be among the names who have signed up for the Pakistan Super League next year.

A statement read: “Mitchell has a chronic right ankle condition that has required arthroscopic surgery twice during his career.

“During the recent Ashes Test and ODI series in the UK there have been times when Mitchell has struggled and required cortisone injections to treat the inflammation within the joint.”

Starc has not missed a game for injury in 18 months: CA

Starc burst into a golden run of form during the 2015 World Cup, but seemed to lose his usual sharpness as the 2015 Ashes wore on. He went wicketless in the 5th Test, and took a total of 5 wickets in the ODI series that followed.

The 25-year-old from New South Wales missed the fourth ODI against England at Headingley, where the hosts won to level the series. But he has been the captain’s go-to bowler in all formats in recent times for Australia.

“It is also pleasing that until he missed the fourth ODI against England recently, Mitchell has been able to play every T20, ODI and Test for Australia in 2015 [25 games in total] and has not missed a game due to injury in the past 18 months,” said the statement.

For the immediate future, Australia will be treading lightly and hoping their star bowler’s ankle can bear the load of the responsibility.

The numbers from an amazing year for @mstarc56, who hasn't slept in his own bed for 116 days: http://t.co/a8Fh7kBdVw pic.twitter.com/jq0sTy3OoR

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) September 14, 2015

.@mstarc56's incredible #cwc15 has helped him top the ODI wickets chart! http://t.co/ucz8n678OL pic.twitter.com/RZ3OOQjW5I

— ICC (@ICC) September 18, 2015

Australia Players in #PSL :B Hodge, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch, David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Shane Watson, James Faulkner #AbKhelKeDikha

— PakistanSuperLeague (@ThePSLCricket) September 21, 2015