Harris shoulder operation a success

Chris Harris is expected to have his right shoulder in a sling for up to five weeks after surgery in Christchurch last night. Harris, who was injured while fielding in the second Chappell-Hadlee Series match at Sydney last week, had the torn rotator cuff re-attached to the humerus bone.

New Zealand Cricket said Dr Ian Penny, the surgeon, was pleased with the operation but Harris, who has played 250 one-day internationals, will miss the five matches against Sri Lanka, starting at Auckland on December 26. John Bracewell, the New Zealand coach, said Harris offered the team a lot and would be missed.

Harris had to be helped to pad up before he bravely walked out at No. 11 as New Zealand tried to seal the series, which was drawn in a washed out game at Brisbane. Glenn McGrath ended Harris's hopes when he was bowled and Australia won by 17 runs.