Australia's preparations for the home series against India received a jolt with leg-spinner Stuart MacGill likely to miss the first two Tests owing to a hand surgery he would undergo later this week.

Cricket Australia's Medical Officer Trefor James on Tuesday examined MacGill and said the tweaker would undergo surgery in Sydney on Thursday for carpal tunnel syndrome in the right hand, a common problem that causes hand numbness.

"Although Stuart has had mild symptoms for several months it only began to affect his bowling during the second Test match against Sri Lanka [Images] in Hobart last month.

"The problem has been the subject of a thorough investigation and assessment since the Test match. After consultation with me in Melbourne today, a decision has been taken to proceed with surgery as soon as possible," he said.

"The surgery is expected to keep Stuart out of cricket for 4-6 weeks, so it is unlikely he will be available for selection for the Melbourne or the Sydney Test matches against India," he said.