The leg-spinner underwent exploratory surgery on his right shoulder this week and a spokesman for his state, Victoria, said this had revealed torn cartilage and ligaments, requiring immediate reconstruction of the damaged area. Warne fell heavily in the field on the recent tour of India.

The spokesman said: ``The doctors have to take a conservative approach and say Shane could be out for between six and 12 months.'' He will almost certainly miss the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games and probably Australia's tour of Pakistan this autumn.

Warne, 28, said: ``It's worse than I had hoped. But the doctors told me that if the rehabilitation goes well the shoulder will eventually be better than brand new, so there's no reason why I couldn't have another five years playing for Australia.''