Bracken undergoes shoulder surgery

Australian fast bowler Nathan Bracken underwent arthroscopic surgery in Sydney yesterday, 5 July, to determine the extent of damage to his injured left shoulder.

Bracken, suffered the injury in a tour match against Middlesex at Lord's during the Travelex Australian Tour of the UK 2001, and despite preliminary scans that cleared him of any serious damage, was forced to return to Australia after his shoulder didn't respond to strengthening and rehabilitation work.

The surgery, performed by shoulder specialist Mr Des Bokor revealed minor cartilage and tendon damage that was able to be treated through the arthroscope.

Australian Cricket Board (ACB) Doctor Trefor James said the forecast for Bracken looks bright, expecting him to resume playing early in the Australian domestic season.

"Nathan's surgery was a relatively straight forward procedure that should rectify the pain, but he will need to undergo a stringent rehabilitation program before returning to cricket," Dr James said.

Nathan Bracken said he is now concentrating his efforts on regaining fitness for Australia's three-match Test series against New Zealand in November.

"I'm relieved the surgery didn't reveal anything sinister, and the problem looks to have been fixed.

"Although I'd love to be playing in England with the Australian team, this is reality, and I now have to now knuckle down and make sure I'm at full strength for the start of the season," Bracken said.

Bracken will undergo his rehabilitation program with New South Wales team physiotherapist Patrick Farhart.