Proteas skipper needs ankle op; should be fit for England tour
South Africa Test captain Graeme Smith will undergo ankle surgery on April 3 which will rule him out of this year's Indian Premier League, but he should be fit for the summer tour of England.
Smith, 31, has been troubled by chronic pain in his left ankle over the past two months and the decision was taken for him to go under the knife after consultation with Cricket South Africa's ankle specialist, who detected an impingement syndrome of the ankle and recommended surgery.
"Graeme went to see CSA's ankle specialist in Cape Town on Friday and he confirmed that the best management of the chronic pain in his ankle is surgery," said Proteas team manager Dr Mohammed Moosjee.
"The recovery period after such a surgery usually takes eight to 10 weeks, and he will subsequently not be able to represent Pune Warriors at the 2012 edition of the Indian Premier League in India."
The surgery will be performed next Tuesday, in order to allow for sufficient recovery and rehabilitation ahead of the Proteas' tour of England in July.
"I'm very disappointed to be missing out on the IPL this year," Smith said.
"I was looking forward to my second season with Pune Warriors, especially after my knee set me back last season. I would like to wish them all of the best this year. I'm sure the new management and exciting new signings will be a positive boost for the side.
"My ankle has been troubling me for some time so it will be a relief to have it repaired, especially looking ahead to the crucial year of cricket ahead."
