Tudor surgery setback for Essex

Tudor has been unlucky with injury during his career

Essex fast bowler Alex Tudor, formerly of England, needs knee surgery and will miss the rest of the 2005 season.

The 27-year-old sustained up the injury during the C&G Trophy match against Lancashire at Old Trafford in May.

"Alex has a defect in his knee which requires surgery," said Essex physio Damien West.

"This will keep him out for the rest of the 2005 season but with rehabilitation he should be fit for the start of the 2006 season."

Tudor joined Essex in February on a performance-related contract.

"The most important thing now is to get the operation sorted out - that's the main focus for Alex," said captain Ronnie Irani.

"I believe Alex is too good a player to waste but we will have to see the results of the operation and then take it from there.

"I sincerely believe we haven't seen the last of Alex Tudor. "