Curtis Campher facing ankle surgery as Ireland sweat over fitness

CHARLOTTE HINDSON: The 22-year-old limped out of Ireland Wolves' clash with Netherlands A three overs into his spell and is set to go under the knife

Ireland are hopeful Curtis Campher will be fit in time for the home international summer against South Africa and Zimbabwe after confirming the allrounder needs ankle surgery.

The 22-year-old, who has been nursing the injury, left the field after bowling three overs for Ireland Wolves in a warm-up game against Netherlands A on May 11.

Andrew Balbirnie's side are set to face the Dutch in three one-day internationals on June 2, 4 and 6 in Utrecht - the squad for which has yet to be announced.

South Africa and Zimbabwe are then the visitors for three ODIs and a trio of T20s each in July and August in Dublin, Belfast and Bready.

Mark Rausa, head of sport science, physiotherapy and medical services for Cricket Ireland, said: "Curtis will have surgery for an ankle impingement issue that he has been managing for a prolonged period of time.

"During last week’s Wolves game at Oak Hill, his ankle concern had progressed to the point where he could no longer continue bowling.

"He immediately had the ankle scanned and saw a specialist today for assessment, where it was agreed the best course of action was surgery to hopefully resolve the issue long-term.

Curtis will then begin his rehab immediately after in preparation for the summer home international series.”