MELBOURNE, Dec 16 AAP - Shane Warne should be available for Australia's World Cup cricket campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery today.

Australian team doctor Trefor James said Warne had undergone arthroscopic surgery this morning after he dislocated his bowling shoulder against England last night.

James said Warne would be out of action for up to six weeks, meaning Warne will miss the remaining two Ashes Tests against England and the rest of the triangular one-day cricket series.

But James was hopeful of having Warne back by the start of the World Cup in late February.

"I don't think I could be definite, we are hopeful he will be available and we will just have to wait until we'll be in a better position to see," he said.

James said Warne was likely to make a full recovery despite fears his latest injury might have finished his career.

"We expect him to bowl without any dramas and in the short term, we expect him to be out for four to six weeks," James said.

James said Warne was in shock and disappointment last night but in good spirits today.

James said Warne faced a low-risk of redislocating his shoulder.

But he said any risk would be associated with throwing a ball rather than bowling.

James said Warne's previous shoulder surgery had no bearing on his latest injury.

He said Warne had a good track record of recovering from injuries and was diligent in his approach to rehabilitation.

Melbourne specialist Greg Hoy performed the surgery, which was exploratory.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.