Lee goes under the knife

An operation to repair ligaments in his right elbow is the latest setback for paceman Brett Lee in a year decimated by injuries

Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has undergone elbow surgery in what appears to be a last-ditch attempt to save his career.

Lee, 33, went under the knife to correct a damaged ligament in his right elbow which saw him break down twice in three weeks.

The complaint initially flared up in the first match of Australia’s one-day series against India in Vadodara in October.

Lee could only bowl six overs of a possible 10, and he aggravated it again bowling for New South Wales in the Ford Ranger Cup last month.

"He will be required to use an elbow brace for a period of approximately six weeks and then commence more intensive rehabilitation," said Cricket Australia medical officer Dr Trefor James.

"His return to bowling will be determined in due course as he is regularly assessed by the surgeon and Cricket Australia's medical staff."

The operation is the latest episode in a miserable 2009 for Lee, who was unable to tour South Africa or feature in the unsuccessful Ashes campaign in England due to an ankle injury.

Lee demonstrated he was still a valuable asset to Australia during their 6-1 thrashing of England in the NatWest Series in September when he was the series' leading wicket-taker with 12.

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.

Lee, who won the Allan Border medal in 2008, has taken 310 wickets at an average of 30.81 in 76 Tests and 324 ODI wickets in 186 appearances at 23.01 apiece.