Smith undergoes elbow surgery

Former Australia's cricket captain Steve Smith's elbow surgery has been hailed a success, but there is still mystery about when he will return to competitive cricket, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.

The star batsman underwent surgery on Monday and will have his right elbow in a brace for six weeks, after which Cricket Australia will be better placed to determine a return playing date. The timeframe has him in doubt to be fit for an immediate return to the national team when his suspension expires on March 29.

Smith will not start rehabilitation on the injury until late February and will likely need several weeks to regain strength from muscle wastage.

There are serious doubts as to whether Smith will be available for part of the one-day international series against Pakistan, which will be Australia's final hit-out before the World Cup.