For those that don’t already know, I’ve just undergone a double hernia operation at a hospital here in Manchester. 

My left groin has been giving me trouble since the end of last summer.  At first we thought rest might prove a cure, but the pain didn’t improve and I was diagnosed with a double hernia.   

I thought it wise to take care of the problem before the start of the county cricket season, so I went up to Manchester because the surgeon there (Ian MacLennan) is an expert in the field and has operated on many professional sportsmen.

Dr. MacLennan advised me that it’s common practice nowadays to operate on both sides with hernia surgery.  I should be recovering for the next four to six weeks, but plan of being fit to play within that period.  I'm anxious to get back into county cricket and look forward to [hopefully] opening the batting with Justin Langer for Somerset.