Australian Pacer Lance Morris to Undergo Back Surgery

MELBOURNE: Australian fast bowler Lance Morris is slated for back surgery, which will sideline him from cricket for potentially a year, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Sunday.

The 27-year-old, centrally contracted with CA, will have pars stabilisation surgery in Christchurch to treat a recurrent lumbar bone stress injury.

Consequently, he’s been ruled out of the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa and Australia A’s tour of India’s four-day matches.

The procedure has seen success with international fast bowlers, including Australia’s Cameron Green and Ben Dwarshuis, India’s Jasprit Bumrah, and New Zealand’s Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson.

Surgeons Rowan Schouten and Grahame Inglis, veterans in treating fast bowlers with over two decades of experience, will perform the operation.

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

“He has faced significant setbacks, and this surgery offers him the optimal chance for a lasting career.”

Morris gained attention in the 2022-23 season, claiming 26 wickets in four Sheffield Shield games with high pace.

However, recurrent injuries have limited his appearances, resulting in only occasional first-class and limited-overs games.

He debuted in ODIs in February 2024 but played only two games before a side strain disrupted his season.

Despite being a regular in Australia’s Test squads, Morris is yet to play a Test match. His last professional game saw him taking 5/26 against NSW in the Shield in March.