James Kirtley had surgery on his broken hand today and now faces up to two months on the sidelines.

The Sussex fast bowler fractured the fifth metacarpal of his right hand during practice with the England one-day squad on Saturday when he was hit in the nets by Gloucestershire all-rounder Jeremy Snape.

Kirtley saw a specialist yesterday and underwent surgery this lunchtime to insert a plate and pin in his hand by surgeon Mr Hatrick in a bid to ensure a swift recovery.

Sussex physio Stuart Osborne said: "The prognosis is much better with this fixation and we will attempt to achieve full range of motion as soon as possible."

Sussex coach Peter Moores said: "It's a clean break and James will be out for six to eight weeks, any recovery quicker than that will be a bonus. Two months is the worst case scenario but we obviously have to make sure everything is right."

Kirtley is hoping to play some cricket before the end of the season to prove his fitness in time for England's next one-day series in Sri Lanka at the end of September.

He said: "I feel I did quite well in the four games I played and I hope the selectors will keep me in their plans for the winter. The main thing now is to get a clean bill of health and be ready to return hopefully before the end of the season."

Kirtley's absence leaves Sussex's fast bowling resources stretched, although left-armer Paul Hutchison hopes to get the all-clear to resume full training when he sees a specialist about his shin splints injury tomorrow.

The Sussex captain has been replaced in the England squad for Saturday's NatWest Series final against India by Dominic Cork.