Tim Paine to undergo neck surgery ahead of the Ashes

Australia's Test captain, who will go under the knife on September 14, is likely to be out of action until early November

Australia’s Test captain Tim Paine will face a race against time to be fit for this winter’s Ashes series after deciding to undergo surgery on a pinched nerve in his neck.

The wicketkeeper will have the operation on September 14 after being unable to train at full intensity in recent weeks.

The 36-year-old, who is suffering pain in his neck and left arm due to a bulging disc, hopes to return to action in early November, giving him around four weeks to prepare for the first Test against England, which is scheduled to start on December 8 in Brisbane.

Commenting on his decision to undergo surgery, Paine said: "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.

"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."

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