 Irani scored three Championship centuries in 2006 |
Essex captain Ronnie Irani is to fly to Colorado this weekend to have surgery on his left hip and knee. The 35-year-old former England all-rounder will have his hip operated on by Marc Phillipon, who has enabled Ashley Giles to continue his career.
He will also visit knee specialist Richard Steadman, who has worked with numerous high-profile sporting figures.
"I'll probably be on crutches for eight weeks but should be raring to go for the new county season," Irani said.
Bolton-born Irani began his career with his native Lancashire, but after four seasons left to join Essex in 1994.
He played three Tests for England, two in 1996 and a solitary match against New Zealand three years later.
Irani took over the Essex captaincy in 2000, leading the team to the National League Division One title in 2005 and the Pro40 crown last season, just missing out on promotion in the Championship.
"It's all part and parcel of being a professional cricketer," he said of his injuries.
"Perhaps it should have a government health warning 'playing professional cricket can seriously damage your health!'"
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