Australia's [ Images ] preparations for the home series against India [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] 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.