Jeff Wilson's career in the balance

Jeff Wilson will miss the rest of the domestic season because of a chronic career-threatening ankle injury.

The injury is a legacy of Wilson's rugby career, and Otago coach Mike Hesson told the Otago Daily Times newspaper that the omens were not good.

"I would say that unless his ankle makes a really good recovery I don't think Jeff will be back. But who knows?" Hesson said. "He certainly hasn't retired. It is just a matter of seeing how the body improves over the next six to 12 months."

Wilson, 32, had some bone spurs removed from his ankle in 2000 and underwent a similar operation last year. This season he has limited himself to domestic one-dayers this season in a bid to extend his career but has made only one appearance.

"I'm sure Jeff is frustrated. We are all frustrated, because he did put a lot of work in to get himself ready for the season," Hesson added. "But when it came to the crunch, unfortunately, his body let him down and he was unable to train."