A statement released by Yorkshire revealed that a two-inch piece of rib had been removed.

After scoring an unbeaten 94 at Trent Bridge in the Test series against India last summer. the injury prevented White from bowling for the remainder of the season.

The injury resurfaced during the winter tour to Australia, but White took part in England's World Cup campaign despite the pain in his side.

"It is a problem that has recurred two or three times over the winter," said Yorkshire's medical consultant Wayne Morton.

"It got to the stage where if we didn't do something about it and rehabilitate it properly he would be in a situation where he always had to compromise."

White will be ruled out of England selection for three months, but Yorkshire are hoping that he will be able to return to county cricket sooner, possibly as a specialist batsman as he did last season.