Lee plots way back after operation

Brett Lee's right elbow will spend the next six weeks in a brace after he had surgery in Sydney on Wednesday. Lee, who picked up the problem on the one-day tour of India, was considering his playing future when he learned last month he would be out for the Australian international season.

Trefor James, Cricket Australia's medical officer, said Lee had an operation to repair a damaged ligament. "He will be required to use an elbow brace for a period of approximately six weeks and then commence more intensive rehabilitation," Dr James said. "His return to bowling will be determined in due course as he is regularly assessed by the surgeon and Cricket Australia's medical staff."

Over the past year Lee has been forced into long-term rehabilitation by ankle and side complaints before the latest setback threw more doubt over his future. The run of injuries have him stalled on 76 Tests and 310 wickets and he has not played in a five-day game since limping off the MCG last December. One of the benefits of this enforced lay-off is he has been able to spend more time with his young son.