Orthopaedic surgeon Paul Armour said the operation at St George's Hospital on Thursday to release the adductor longus tendon in the right groin had ``gone well''. The cricketer was walking without crutches.

Mr Armour confirmed that Fleming should be able to return to cricket in six weeks, indicating that the elegant left-hander would be a doubtful starter for the first test against South Africa in Auckland from February 27 to March 3.

A more likely return is the second test at home in Christchurch from March 11 to 15.

New Zealand Cricket's Communications officer Michelle Lewis said that Fleming was restricting visitors yesterday. ``He's a bit sore and wants to keep to himself.'' Fleming, who was forced from the field during the first one-day international against India at Taupo, has had groin pain for nearly a year.

Meanwhile, there is good news for Fleming's fellow Canterbury New Zealand team-mates, batsman Nathan Astle and left-arm fast bowler Geoff Allott.

Astle will have the cast removed from his hand on Monday and hopes to be playing within two weeks.

Allott, who had been sidelined with a hamstring tear, is back training and will be available for the Shell Cup semi-finals.