Vaughan to undergo another surgery, Ashes return unlikely

London, June 30 (UNI) Michael Vaughan's Ashes dreams have been shattered after doctors revealed that the regular England skipper will have to undergo another surgery on his injured right knee on Monday which will keep him out of action for at least four to six months.

''England captain Michael Vaughan is to have an operation on his injured knee on Monday following a consultation with a specialist,'' the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement here.

Vaughan's knee will be operated upon to repair the articular cartilage and the surgey will keep him out for a period of four to six months, the statement added.

''Michael is still experiencing some discomfort in the knee and further surgery is necessary if he is to regain the level of fitness required for international cricket,'' ECB chief medical officer Dr Peter Gregory said.

Dr Gregory said the operation was necessary to prevent any future damage to the knee and save the prolific cricketer's career.

''Our priority now is to safeguard Michael's long-term interests and ensure that he can resume his playing career,'' he said.

''He will have our full support and we will be closely monitoring his progress in conjunction with the staff at Yorkshire who will supervise his day-to-day rehabilitation programme,'' he added.

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