Australia paceman Brett Lee is recovering from elbow surgery in an attempt to prolong his international career.
Lee, 33, underwent an operation on Wednesday to correct a damaged ligament in his right elbow which has seen him break down twice in the space of just three weeks.
The complaint initially flared up in the first one-day international of the seven-match series against India in Vadodara on October 25.
Lee could only bowl six overs of a possible 10 in that match and on November 15, he aggravated it again bowling for New South Wales in the Ford Ranger Cup.
It compounded a sorry 2009 for Lee who did not feature in the unsuccessful Ashes campaign in England due to a hamstring problem that flared up following his return from kne and foot surgery.
Lee demonstrated his worth to Australia by bowling with hostility during their 6-1 thrashing of England in the NatWest Series in September when he was the series' leading wicket-taker with 12. He also produced a match-winning performance for New South Wales in the final of the Twenty20 Champions League in India
But it appears his latest setback means the next realistic opportunity he has of representing his country would be on the tour of New Zealand in late March.
"He will be required to use an elbow brace for a period of approximately six weeks and then commence more intensive rehabilitation," Cricket Australia medical officer Dr Trefor 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."
Lee has taken 310 Test wickets in 76 matches at 30.81 and 324 ODI scalps in 186 appearances.
* PA
Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
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