Sydney, Australia: Australia's leading fast bowler Mitchell Starc was in hospital on Friday following surgery on a leg wound which required 30 stitches.

Starc, 26, suffered deep lacerations after colliding with training equipment on Thursday, Cricket Australia said.

Left-armer Starc, who was rested from Australia's tour of South Africa later this month, is expected to have his left shin in a brace for up to three weeks to aid his recovery.

‘There were no bone fractures or tendon damage to his leg and he underwent surgery to clean the wound and received approximately 30 stitches,’ Cricket Australia Chief Medical Officer John Orchard said.

‘He will remain in hospital for the next few days to minimise movement to his leg and will use an extension brace for the next two to three weeks until his stitches are removed. 

‘At this stage, barring any complications, we are hopeful he is on track to play at the start of the Australian summer.’

Australia will play South Africa in the first of a three-Test series, starting in Perth on 3 November.

Starc, who had ankle surgery earlier this year, was Australia's top performer with 24 wickets at 15.16 in the losing three-Test series in Sri Lanka last month.