Lance Morris to Undergo Back Surgery, Sidelined for Up to a Year

MELBOURNE: Australian pace bowler Lance Morris is scheduled to have back surgery, which will keep him off the field for possibly 12 months, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Sunday.

The 27-year-old, centrally contracted player, will undergo pars stabilization surgery in Christchurch to treat a persistent lumbar bone stress issue.

Consequently, he will be unavailable for the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa and will also be absent from the four-day matches during Australia A’s tour of India.

The procedure has been successfully carried out on several international fast bowlers, notably Australia’s Cameron Green, Ben Dwarshuis, India’s Jasprit Bumrah, and New Zealand’s Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson.

Experienced surgeons Rowan Schouten and Grahame Inglis, with over two decades in treating fast bowlers, will perform the operation.

“This marks a crucial but essential step for Lance,” stated Nick Jones, CA’s injury case manager and former Australia physio.

“He has experienced a notably disappointing period, and this operation offers him the optimal chance for a sustained and extended career.”

Morris gained prominence during the 2022-23 summer, claiming 26 wickets in four Sheffield Shield matches with impressive speed.

However, recurrent injury problems have limited his appearances since then, with only occasional first-class and limited-overs matches.

He debuted in ODIs in February 2024, participating in just two games before a side strain prematurely ended his season.

Despite being a consistent member of Australia’s Test squads, Morris is yet to participate in a Test match. His most recent professional game saw him achieve figures of 5/26 against NSW in the Shield in March.