Brett Lee has surgery on ankles

Australian fast bowler Brett Lee had surgery on both his ankles in Sydney yesterday to eradicate impingement of the joints in the future.

During surgery at Castlecrag Private Hospital, Lee had a spur removed from the back of his left ankle and an ossicle and spur removed from the back of his right ankle.

Surgeon Dr Kim Slater said the surgery was successful and should keep Lee free of ankle soreness in the future.

"Brett has had pain in both ankles from constant pounding on the joints and the surgery will eradicate posterior impingement of the joints in the future," Dr Slater said.

Recuperation from the surgery will see Lee on crutches for 8 to 9 days after which he will undergo 6 to 8 weeks of physiotherapy with Australian physiotherapist Pat Farhart.

Lee will be fit and available for the one-day international series at Colonial Stadium, Melbourne, against South Africa in August.

Lee said he has had slight soreness in his ankles for about two seasons and was pleased that the current break from international duties allowed him to have the necessary surgery.

"I've been strapping my ankles for every match but I won't need to any more," he said from his parents home in Wollongong.

"This winter was a good time to get the ankles right so I won't have problems in the future.

"I'll be resting and undergoing physio over the winter break so I'm ready to bowl at my best during the indoor series against South Africa in August.

"I'm really looking forward to avenging our recent series loss in South Africa and can't wait to get to Melbourne for what will be an exciting series," Lee said.

Lee will not be available for interviews during the first stage of recovery.