Tremlett undergoes surgery (From York Press)

Tremlett undergoes surgery

10:19am Thursday 9th February 2012 in National Sport © Press Association 2011

England paceman Chris Tremlett has had back surgery to address the problem which forced him out of the ongoing series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Tremlett flew home before the second Test, 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-a-half months afterwards.

"ECB today announced that the Surrey and England pace bowler Chris Tremlett had undergone a back operation at a London hospital last night," read a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

"Tremlett was forced to return home early from England's tour of UAE last week after a scan revealed a bulging disc in his back.

"The player's rehabilitation programme will be closely supervised by the England medical team in conjunction with Surrey CCC and a date for his return to cricket will be agreed in due course."

The 6ft 7in fast bowler took 17 wickets in three Tests in England's 2010/11 Ashes victory in Australia.