Australian captain Ricky Ponting will be out for several weeks after having surgery on his injured wrist.

The 33-year-old returned early from his side's tour of the West Indies as a result of the problem, which occurred during the third one-day international.

And following consultation with a specialist in Melbourne he immediately underwent surgery.

Cricket Australia medical officer Trefor James described the operation as "fairly minor" and said it remains unclear how soon he could return to action.

The injury may rule Ponting out of the ICC Champions Trophy, which takes place in Pakistan in September.

This would be a major blow to the world champions, who are hoping to retain the trophy they won last time out in India in 2006.

"Ricky has sustained a tendon injury that requires repair of tissues that hold the tendon in place," Dr James explained.

"Ponting's recovery will be monitored in the coming weeks and a decision regarding his fitness for the upcoming series against Bangladesh and then the Champions Trophy will be made in due course."
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