Graeme Smith to undergo surgery on injured knee

South Africa captain Graeme Smith is having surgery on Friday on the knee he injured in the Indian Premier League.

Smith says on Twitter he is in hospital in Cape Town for the operation.

Cricket South Africa confirms the surgery and says Smith's recovery period will be clear only after the procedure.

The 30-year-old opening batsman, who hurt the knee playing for new IPL team Pune Warriors, is set to lead South Africa in test series against Australia and Sri Lanka this year.

The Proteas host Australia in two tests, three ODIs and two Twenty20s starting from Oct. 13, followed by a three-test and five-ODI series vs. Sri Lanka.

Smith has stepped down as South Africa's limited-overs skipper, handing the one-day and T20 captaincy to AB de Villiers.