Essex all-rounder Tim Phillips has undergone knee surgery that will keep him out of action until June.

The 27-year-old slow left-armer sustained his injury whilst on duty with the 2nd XI at Garon Park against Surrey last week.

Essex Physio Mark Thomas told the Essex CCC website:

“Tim Phillips underwent surgery yesterday (Wednesday) to repair damaged cartilage in his right knee. The surgery went well and he is expected to return to play in six weeks.”

Phillips featured in the County’s opening Friends Provident Trophy match of the season against Kent Spitfires but is now unlikely to challenge for a return until around the start of the Twenty20 Cup in mid-June.

Meanwhile, Thomas issued the following squad Fitness Bulletin on Thursday (May 1) ahead of Essex’s tourist match against New Zealand at The Ford County Ground, which starts on Friday:

Mark Pettini missed some play against Derbyshire in the LV County Championship last week due to an eye infection that has been treated and now cleared up.

James Foster’s thumb (that kept him out of the above match at Derby) has settled nicely and is no longer a problem

Tony Palladino sustained a small fracture to his right wrist one month ago. This has not stopped him bowling and continues to heal well.

Graham Napier had an injection into his left knee to treat some synovitis (inflammation of the lining of the knee joint capsule). He is training today (Thursday) and expected to return to action soon.

David Masters sustained a moderate left ankle sprain in the warm-up against Kent Spitfires in the Friends Provident Trophy on April 20. This is settling well and has not stopped him playing a full part in games since.

Jason Gallian’s dislocated finger (sustained during a warm-up game before the season) has healed well.