Australian batsman Finch sidelined for 3 months

Australian one-day opening batsman Aaron Finch faces a three-month recovery after undergoing surgery for a left hamstring injury, cricket officials said Wednesday.

Finch was an invaluable member of Australia's recent World Cup winning team, hitting a match-winning century against England on the opening day of the tournament this year and a crucial 81 in their semi-final against India.

The national Twenty20 captain suffered the injury during an Indian Premier League match last week.

"After returning to Australia injured from the IPL, Aaron had scans that confirmed a high grade hamstring injury," said Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris.

"As such, Aaron was assessed by a surgeon who felt that he would have a better outcome with surgery.  

"Aaron subsequently had surgery yesterday that has gone well. Aaron will now commence his rehabilitation and we expect that rehabilitation to take up to 12 weeks."

Finch will have ample recovery time with no limited-overs internationals on the horizon. He is not involved in Australia's Test tour of the West Indies in June and the Ashes in England from July.
Source: AFP