Injured Sreesanth out for five months

Sreesanth, the India fast bowler, will be out of action for five months as he needs two surgeries on his toes. He hasn't turned out for India since the Tests against England last August, and has only played one first-class match since, before picking up a toe injury.

Got to get 2 surgery (on both my toes) will be out of the game for 5 months..hopefully will try to get back soon.. Take care..thanks a lot

— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) May 2, 2012

Sreesanth had opted against going for surgery in December, instead preferring ayurvedic treatment. He had originally hoped to be fit in time for the CB series in Australia earlier this year, and had said at the end of February that he was looking forward to playing again in three weeks.

He had initially travelled with Rajasthan Royals this season before heading to the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore for his rehabilitation late last month. Royals had hoped that he would be back with the team after a week at the NCA but they will now have to do without the fast bowler this season.

The news of Sreesanth's injury comes a day after their allrounder Kevin Cooper was ruled out of the tournament due to a fractured knee.