The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Asif to undergo surgery

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Friday, Dec 07, 2007
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Asif to undergo surgery

Karachi: Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Asif is expected to be out of action for two more months after surgeons in Australia recommended that he needs to have corrective surgery for his nagging elbow problem.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent Asif last week to Sydney to consult a sports medicine specialist after the pacer failed to recover from an elbow strain to make the Indian tour last month.

“We have got a detailed report from the surgeon in Sydney and he has recommended surgery for which he has been given a go-ahead,” a Board official said on Thursday.

Asif will have the corrective surgery on Monday after which the Board reckons he could be out of cricket for two months as part of his rehabilitation process.

“But the proper position would only be known after his initial check-up soon after the surgery,” the official said.

“But the surgeon believes two months is required for the healing process to be completed,” he said.

Asif missed out on the ongoing Indian tour and in November he also sat out from four one-day internationals against South Africa in the home series.

“It is an injury that has plagued him for a while now and we want to have a permanent treatment for it. He is one of our main bowlers and we have a hectic international schedule next year,” the Board official said.

He said the Board, if required, would also get expert opinion on Umar Gul, who recently returned from India without playing in the first two Tests because of a back strain. — PTI

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