Caddick to undergo back surgery

Andrew Caddick faces an uncertain few months to see if he'll be able to play after his back operation © Getty Images

Andrew Caddick, the Somerset fast bowler, is to undergo back surgery for a bulging spinal disc which could put his career at risk. However, the club are confident he will be fit for the 2008 season, when Somerset will be back in division one of the County Championship.

"The consensus view is the success rate is very good. Andy knows that and he's quite confident," Brian Rose, Somerset's director of cricket, told BBC Radio Bristol.

Caddick took 75 wickets to help Somerset gain promotion in 2007 and Rose admits the surgery does carry risks. "I don't think he'll ever be the same again but Andy is keen to play for another couple of seasons at least and his motivation to get well will be pretty good. But if it does work and takes that discomfort away that would be great."

Caddick has suffered from previous back problems and underwent surgery in 2003, shortly after playing the last of his 62 Tests against Australia at Sydney.

He almost made a surprise return to the England side last season when he was put on stand-by for The Oval Test against India after Chris Tremlett was doubtful. However, Tremlett recovered to take his place in the side although Caddick continued to believe he could play a role at international level.

Caddick's team-mate Marcus Trescothick, who has been out of the England set-up since flying back from the Ashes tour with a stress-related illness, is making good progress after an operation to remove a bone spur from his left foot.

"My rehabilitation is going really well and three weeks after having my operation I am back to 80% of my normal training routine," Trescothick told the Somerset website. "I can't do the impact stuff again yet, but I can certainly do more than enough to keep myself fit."