South Africa all-rounder Nicky Boje is expected to be out of action for four months after surgery to his left ankle, team officials said on Thursday.

Boje underwent a two-and-a-half hour operation on Wednesday during which a plate and several screws were inserted to his ankle after he broke his fibula in four places when he fell awkwardly fielding against England at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

He also suffered severe ligament damage and will be in plaster for two months before undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation programme.