Ferguson requires knee surgery
12/10/2009 2:00 PM
The worst fears for Australian batsman Callum Ferguson have been realised with confirmation the 24-year-old has ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament and will be sidelined for the forthcoming domestic season.
Cricket Australia doctor Trefor James said Ferguson, who injured his knee while fielding during Australia's Champions Trophy victory over New Zealand in South Africa last week, will undergo surgery sometime during the next seven days.
"Callum underwent scans in Adelaide on Friday and saw a specialist on Saturday," said James.
"After consultation with Cricket Australia medical staff it was decided the best course of action is for him to have an ACL knee reconstruction."
"This procedure is likely to keep him out of the game for 6-12 months."
Ferguson has distinguished himself as one of Australia's brightest batting prospects in three Twenty20 internationals and 25 ODI appearances in which he's averaged 46.08 at a strike rate of 85.09.
James said fast bowler Nathan Bracken, who was also an injury casualty of Australia's Champions Trophy campaign, was making good progress after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Friday.
"The surgery went as expected and he will commence rehabilitation immediately with a view to him returning to cricket during the Australian summer," said James.