Warne is expected to play in the final of the triangular tournament against India in Delhi tomorrow, but could then return home for an operation.

Errol Alcott, the Australian physiotherapist, said Warne had been scheduled to undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery later this year to correct some wear and tear in the joint, but the operation might now be brought forward.

``It could be a four-month rehabilitation but if he's got tendon damage then it could be longer,'' Alcott said.

In May 1996, Warne underwent surgery on the fourth finger of his bowling hand to repair ligament damage and he has needed physiotherapy in recent months because of a sore right shoulder.