By RICHARD WALSH

SOMERSET all-rounder Ben Green is now back at the Cooper Associates County Ground following successful surgery on his lower legs.

The 23-year-old from Devon impressed with bat and ball across the formats this year and has gone under the knife to relieve a long-standing issue.

“I’ve had a bi-lateral deep posterior medial fasciotomy,” said Green, who also plays for Devon CCC and Exeter CC. “Basically, that means I’ve had operations on my shins to release the fascia which runs between the calf and the bone to relieve some pressure. I’ve suffered from shin splints since the age of 16, so hopefully this will end that issue.”

Despite arriving back in Taunton on crutches last week, remarkably Ben is back on his feet already.

“After the operation, I spent about two weeks on the sofa, but since then I seem to have gone from strength to strength. It’s amazing. I didn’t know when I would be back walking because the surgeon said I had to have two weeks off my feet. Then it would be a case of only doing what I felt able to do.

“I was thinking that it would be another couple of weeks before I was fully able to walk again, but within a few days I was back walking and getting the range of movement back in my ankles. It’s certainly gone quicker than I thought it was going to.”

What are the next steps for his recovery?

“I’ll be looking to get back into the gym sooner rather than later and I’m looking forward to doing a few sessions on the bikes, Then, hopefully it won’t be too long before I can be batting again. I’ll probably be getting back to running at a similar time, but I don’t imagine that I’ll be bowling before January.

“It’s improving day on day, so I’m confident that I’ll have plenty of time to get myself fully fit for the beginning of the new season.”

Jamie Thorpe, SCCC head of science and medicine, has been pleased with Ben’s progress, but he won’t let him get carried away.

“It’s important that we gradually increase Ben’s exposure to strength and conditioning work and ensure that he hits the relevant markers,” explained Jamie. “We are really pleased with his progress so far, and we are optimistic that he will be fully integrated back into training after the Christmas break.”