Elbow op for Graeme Swann
Graeme Swann will miss England's Test series in New Zealand in order to undergo surgery on his right elbow.
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Swann had an operation on the same joint in 2009 and has since managed the problem, which relates to floating fragments of bone, with periods of rest.
But the latest flare-up at the start of a busy period of action that includes back-to-back Ashes series later in the year, has prompted a second bout of surgery for the 33-year-old Nottinghamshire spinner.
The injury to Swann's bowling arm means left-arm spinner Monty Panesar was included to supplement the seam attack of James Anderson, Steven Finn and Stuart Broad for the first Test against New Zealand in Dunedin.
England remain confident that Swann will be fit for the Ashes, with the off-spinner pencilled in for a return in time for the Champions Trophy in England this summer ahead of the clash with Australia.
The ECB said in a statement: "England off-spinner Graeme Swann has been ruled out of the current Test series against New Zealand due to a right elbow injury.
"Swann will travel to the United States next week to have an operation on his right elbow and will then undergo a period of rehabilitation and recovery allowing an anticipated return to competitive cricket in the early summer.
"A further update will be available following the operation."
Kent off-spinner James Tredwell will replace Swann in England's squad in New Zealand.
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