Starc to delay surgery to play World T20

Quote:Mitchell Starc will delay surgery on his troublesome ankle in a bid to play in both the two-match Test series against New Zealand in February, as well as the World T20 in March.

Starc bowled just nine overs during Australia's three-wicket victory over New Zealand in Adelaide after suffering a stress fracture in his right foot. While there are concerns his pre-existing problems with bone spurs in his ankle may have contributed to the fracture, Starc is keen to get back into the Australia side as soon as possible.

"The foot won't rule me out for rest of summer, so no point doubling up and missing extra time with surgery," Starc said. "Once I get home I will talk to the medical staff and map it out and see what it looks like. I will let the bone heal for now.

"I will be in the boot for three or four weeks and reassess then. There is no point putting a time stamp on it until the bone heals."

The ankle will inevitably require surgery but the recovery period is unknown and, at a time when Australia's depth of fast bowling stocks is likely to be tested, Starc is unwilling to take the risk of sitting out of the game for an extended period of time.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-...45517.html

No one can question Starc's toughness and tenacity. He gutted out the Ashes series and took multiple cortisone injections to get him out onto the field. Given that World Cup's don't come around every day, you can understand his willingness to bowl through the pain.

He is making a mistake

I also think by playing he might be making a mistake and maybe risking further long term injury.

While it's very brave and noble to soldier on through the pain, I'm sure that isn't what the medical advisors would have recommended and they should be listened to, in my opinion.

[quote author=pwarbi link=topic=101616.msg667324#msg667324 date=1449244755]
I also think by playing he might be making a mistake and maybe risking further long term injury.

While it's very brave and noble to soldier on through the pain, I'm sure that isn't what the medical advisors would have recommended and they should be listened to, in my opinion.
[/quote]
I cant imagine that doctors would clear him to play if there is any chance of long term injury or inflicting further damage. That would be malpractice. I also doubt Australia would risk this either, especially now that Johnson has retired and Starc is their best and most experienced bowler.

Being fit to play, and fit to play without causing a long term injury are two different things though. I agree that the doctors wouldn't risk passing him fit to play if there was a risk of that, but if they say he needs surgery, surely that must also be taken as them saying he isn't fit to play?

At the end of the day I don't think if he does sustain a long term injury they can be held accountable as its the players choice to play on. It his decision and him that's willing to take the risk, effectively clearing them if any comeback if the worst does occur.

Mitchell Starc to have ankle surgery. Gawn for summer. Out of T20 world cup

[quote author=Australia Fan link=topic=101616.msg668398#msg668398 date=1449706874]
Mitchell Starc to have ankle surgery. Gawn for summer. Out of T20 world cup
[/quote]

Well that was a sudden change of mind? Maybe he found out it was worse than he originally thought?

Then again he may have thought they will win the T20 trophy with or without him so he won't be needed.