Smith undergoes knee operation

Graeme Smith has had an operation on his right knee to determine the severity of the injury that he sustained while playing for the Pune Warriors during the IPL. Smith underwent an arthroscopy in Cape Town on Friday morning.

Smith collided with team-mate Rahul Sharma while fielding during the April 13 match against Kochi Tuskers Kerala. He batted with a runner but only played two more matches for Pune after that game.

"Initially he had an MRI scan on his knee and it was suggested that he undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitaton," Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa team manager told ESPNCricinfo. "Although he has had both, he is still in some discomfort and it was decided to have the arthroscopy. It will allow us to see the extent of the problem and then we will be able to tell how long he will take to recover."

Smith's arthroscopy report is expected to be finalised by Monday. He should have ample time to heal with no international cricket scheduled for South Africa in the next three months. They will next play a home series against Australia starting on October 13 comprising two T20s, followed by three ODIs and two Tests. Smith stepped down from the ODI captaincy at the conclusion of the World Cup, but remains available for selection in the limited-overs forms of the game. He will continue in his role as Test captain.