SURREY fast bowler Andre Nel has been ruled out for the season following a freak elbow injury.

The former South African international will have surgery after aggravating the injury he sustained off the field last week.

Nel, who was carrying a heavy bag at the time, suffered a severe blow to his left elbow on a door frame as he attempted to walk through a passage way.

The problem, thought not to be that serious at the time, was scanned as a precautionary measure and it was later found that the blow had caused a complete rupture to the lateral collateral ligament and the common extensor tendon at the humeral attachment.

The injury was to his non bowling arm, as such the specialist deemed him fit to bowl in the Leicestershire game but confirmed that he will require surgery to eradicate the problem within the next two weeks.

After the operation takes place, the specialist will have a more accurate idea of recovery times but the bowler is expected to miss the remainder of the campaign.

Chris Adams, Surrey cricket manager, admitted the news was a massive blow to his side's promotion hopes.

He said: "This is obviously very disappointing for the team and for Andre personally but it's an injury that needs to be dealt with quickly otherwise it could have long term ramifications.

"Andre has played a huge part in our season so far, on and off the field, so I'm looking forward to having him back."