Australian paceman Mitchell Starc has admitted that he requires ankle surgery, but added that it is not the right time to do so as he is looking forward to World Twenty20 in April.
Starc, who is suffering an early stage of fracture in his right foot, said that although his injury is frustrating, it has not stopped him from bowling.
According to News.com.au, James Pattinson is likely to replace Starc for the first Test against West Indies, starting from December 10.
Earlier, the 25-year-old pace spearhead, who was limped off the field midway to have scans during his side's third Test against New Zealand, was the pick of the bowlers for Australia as he bagged three wickets in the first innings of the opening day of the Pink Ball Test.