Paine out for summer

Sydney - Australia's back-up wicketkeeper Tim Paine was on Wednesday ruled out for the summer, with officials announcing he will undergo further surgery on a fractured finger immediately.

The Tasmanian wicketkeeper and batsman's battered right index finger will rule him out of availability for the next three to four months, Cricket Australia said.

"Tim Paine's recovery from surgery for a fractured finger has been slower than expected," Cricket Australia doctor Trefor James said.

"It is clear that the fracture has not healed as expected and the best course of action is for Tim to undergo further surgery."

Paine's right index finger was broken during a Twenty20 match in Brisbane in November 2010 when he was struck by a rising delivery.

The loss of Paine, who made his Test debut against Pakistan in July 2010 and has been touted as a future Australian captain, comes ahead of the series against India and with Australia's batting order struggling for form.

"I'm obviously disappointed with this latest setback," said the 27-year-old Paine, who is the established fill-in for wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

"I am hopeful that I can get the injury right and recover fully so that I can get back to playing cricket in the near future."