Harris facing lengthy lay-off

Ryan Harris is set to undergo surgery on his injured left ankle on Wednesday and is expected to be out of cricket for three to four months.

The Australia fast bowler suffered a stress fracture of the joint on day three of his team's fourth-Test defeat against England in Melbourne.

Cricket Australia doctor Trefor James confirmed: "Ryan was reviewed by a specialist in Melbourne. The specialist confirmed that the best management for the stress fracture of his left ankle would be to undergo surgery. This surgery will occur (on Wednesday), and we expect Ryan's recovery time to be three-four months."

It is therefore highly unlikely he will be available for Australia's defence of their World Cup title, which begins in February on the sub-continent.