LONDON, June 28: Alex Tudor’s career in first-class cricket is under threat once more after the former England bowler was told he requires knee surgery that will force him to miss the rest of the English county season.

The 27-year-old, whose career has been repeatedly interrupted by injury, suffered the latest setback while playing for Essex against Lancashire at Old Trafford in May.

Tudor will go under the knife on Wednesday and Essex are hopeful he will be able to make a comeback for the 2006 season.

Chief Executive David East said the injury was unrelated to previous knee problems and captain Ronnie Irani dismissed fears Tudor would be forced to quit the game.

“I sincerely believe we haven’t seen the last of Alex Tudor,” he said.

“Having had five or six major operations myself I realise there is always a risk every time you go under the knife that your career could be over.

“He has had two or three hard winters with rehab, and this will be another, but there is always another way.”—AFP