Tremlett targets April injury return (From The Northern Echo)

Tremlett targets April injury return

11:15am Friday 3rd February 2012 in International Cricket News

ENGLAND paceman Chris Tremlett has targeted late April for a return to action after being forced out of the ongoing Test series against Pakistan by a back problem.

Tremlett had to fly home before the second of two successive defeats to date, having added just one appearance since the same problem ruled him out of last summer’s Trent Bridge Test against India and then for five-and-ahalf months afterwards.

The 6ft 7in fast bowler, who took 17 wickets in three Tests in England’s historic Ashes victory in Australia last winter, is suffering with a back problem which has been described as ‘‘chronic’’ by medical specialists and may require surgery.

And he revealed on Twitter yesterday:‘‘After seeing specialist.

Scans reveal a bulging disc and may require a little clean up. Hopefully back playing mid to end of April.’’ The England team’s physiotherapist Ben Langley had earlier said: ‘‘Scans have revealed various issues with Chris’ back, but we have to find out exactly what is causing the current problem.

‘‘He will see two specialists to get two opinions. The programme he followed after breaking down last summer has not worked, so he might have to go down the surgery route.’’ The 30-year-old has fallen prey to injury several times since making his Test debut against India five years ago.

Langley added: ‘‘If Chris does need an operation, we are hopeful he will be able to bowl again in the future.

‘‘He is a very calm man, who has taken all his injury frustrations in his stride.