Tim Paine

Australia Test skipper Tim Paine to undergo neck surgery

Tim Paine

A pinched nerve in his neck has been causing Paine discomfort for some time, and has reduced his ability to train at full intensity.

The call for an operation, which will take place in Hobart, was taken after Paine did not respond to regular treatment for the pain in his neck and left arm, caused by a bulging disc.

The surgery is expected to relieve the pressure on the nerve and allow him to return to training later this month.

"The consensus of the spinal surgeon and the CA medical team was to have the surgery now, which will allow plenty of time to fully prepare for the summer," Paine said.

"I expect to be able to restart physical activity by the end of this month and be back in full training in October. I will be ready to go by the first Test and am very much looking forward to what will be a huge summer."

Pain will miss Sheffield Shield matches for Tasmania, but is likely to regain fitness in time for the Ashes series against England, with the first Test beginning on 8 December in Brisbane.