Notts spinner Graeme Swann will return home after the Fifth Test against West Indies after being told that he needs surgery to remove floating bone from his elbow.

Gareth Batty of Worcestershire will fly to Trinidad from the England Lions tour to replace Swann, who will return home after the Trinidad Test match for an operation on his right elbow.

“I have realised for sometime that I would need surgery on the injury,” said Swann,

“We have managed it during the tour but the medical team believe this is the best time for the operation.”

Notts Director of Cricket Mick Newell says that the timing of the operation gives Swann a chance to play a part in a busy summer of domestic and international cricket.

“Graeme has had an on-going problem with his elbow and we fully support the decision to operate now to give him the best possible chance of being fit for an important summer of cricket,” said Newell.

“He has given up five ODIs to undergo the surgery and we look forward to his return to fitness so that he can figure for Notts and England as soon as possible.

“He underwent a similar procedure a number of years ago which gave him lasting benefits and his immediate target will be to force his way back into the Test side after the impact he made in India and the West Indies.

“One of our main aspirations at Notts is to provide players to the England team and we have taken a great deal of pride in the way that he has performed for the club and for England.”

Swann has taken 21 wickets in four Test appearances for England.