Pace bowler Ryan Harris, who took two late wickets to help clinch Australia´s 2-1 test series win over South Africa last week, has had right knee surgery and will likely not play for up to six months.

Harris bowled Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel in the same over as South Africa, trying to bat out a draw, was bowled out for 265 with 27 deliveries remaining in the third and deciding test at Newlands.

Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a statement Wednesday that Harris had bone fragments within the knee joint removed in Tuesday´s surgery and that "we expect a long rehabilitation period."

Kountouris said Harris could be available for Australia´s test series against Pakistan scheduled for October, likely in the United Arab Emirates.(AP)