Mitchell Starc's wobbly ankle has kept Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris working overtime. But the pacer's injury has taken the burden of a long summer and Kountouris is happy with the way he has managed a chronic right ankle condition that has required arthroscopic surgery twice during Starc's career.
It is an injury that the Cricket Australia medical team, coaches and Mitchell have become accustomed to managing for some time.
"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. As part of his management, we have had regular MRI scans that have confirmed the presence of some bone spurs, that cause the inflamed joint," Kountouris said in a statement.
"Pleasingly, the most recent scan did not show any significant deterioration despite the heavy playing schedule in the past 12 months and he has generally coped okay. We have also had specialist surgical opinion and advice so far is that surgery is not required at the moment.
"It is also pleasing that, until he missed the 4th ODI of the series 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.
"Our plan is to continue manage Mitchell and monitor how his ankle responds. Whilst surgery has been discussed, like most other situations, it is a last resort, particularly as it will involve a lengthy lay off from playing (3-5 months).
"Mitchell has had similar surgery in the past and understands the amount of time and effort that is required to return to playing at his best. We will be guided by the surgeon on the need for surgery but are hopeful that will not be necessary in the short term," said Kountouris.