Australia captain Tim Paine has said he is "extremely confident" that he will be ready to play in the first Ashes Test against England after undergoing neck surgery.
Paine has been struggling with a bulging disc which has been causing him problems in his neck and left arm and he underwent surgery this week.
Speaking on his SEN radio show 'Jack and Painey' with AFL star Jack Riewoldt, Paine detailed his operation and expressed optimism at his chances of playing in the first Test.
"Basically they've cut a big hole in my throat, moved my voice box over to the side, and gone in that way," he said. "It's a less invasive way.
"It was sort of getting to that touch and go stage where I either don't get it done and take the risk that I'd be right through the Ashes, or get it fixed now.
"Pretty happy with the decision after the surgeon had a look in there.
"December 8 is the first Test and I'm extremely confident I'd be right to go before then.
"I'll hopefully get a Shield game in for Tassie before then and hopefully be on the winning end of a third winning Ashes would be something really special.
"I want to keep playing for Tasmania after my international career. To have it fixed and out of the way was the correct decision long term.
"I've had plenty of doubters my whole career so it's something that I'm used to; that's alright, I'll use it as motivation to get back out."
Paine also urged England's top stars not to pull out of the tour, with players expressing their concerns over Australia's strict coronavirus protocol.
"The main stuff with the English guys is around the protocols with quarantine but we’re not asking them to do anything that we won’t be doing," he added.
"I think if we can get them out here they’ll realise the conditions during Australia’s Covid hubs are pretty good and nothing to worry about."
