By IANS
Sydney : Australian leg-spinner Stuart Macgill faces a momentous challenge by opting for surgery on his right wrist, which is most likely to end his international career, the media reported Wednesday.
According to a report in The Age, the surgical procedure to correct carpal tunnel syndrome is relatively straightforward and medical experts believe MacGill can expect to regain a full range of feeling and movement in his troublesome right wrist after the four-to-six week recovery period.
But the challenge MacGill will face would be whether he can oust his replacement, likely to be left-armer Brad Hogg, at an age when most cricketers have opted for retirement.
“Wrist spin is about feel and if you can’t feel the ball in your fingers it’s very difficult,” spin coach Terry Jenner was quoted as saying by the daily.
“I think it will be hard to come back for him. (Carpal tunnel syndrome) sounds like a first to me for a spinner. It could well be career threatening,” he said.
MacGill will have a surgery to relieve tendon tension in his right wrist. The condition was diagnosed Tuesday after earlier scans on the wrist.
“Although Stuart has had mild symptoms for several months, it only began to affect his bowling during the second Test match against Sri Lanka in Hobart last month,” said Australian team doctor Trefor James.
“The problem has been the subject of a thorough investigation and assessment since the Test match. After consultation with me in Melbourne today, a decision has been taken to proceed with surgery as soon as possible,” he added.
Though Cricket Australia Tuesday ruled MacGill out of the Melbourne and Sydney Tests against India, the more likely scenario is that the leg-spinner’s international summer is over.
MacGill’s likely replacement, Hogg, declared himself ready to return to the Test arena.
“I feel like I’m bowling the best I’ve ever bowled, but it’s just one of those things; if you get the nod you get the nod,” Hogg said.
“If I think about (Test selection) I’m going to go downhill, so basically I can only keep doing what I’m doing and not worry about it.
“I can’t be doing any better than I am now. It’s up to the selectors. I’ve nothing to prove to anyone.”