Exclusive by Andrew Gidley

Joe Denly has been given the all-clear following exploratory operations on both knees.

It was the 23-year-old Kent and England batsman’s own decision and he admits he was "very happy" with the outcome.

Denly, pictured, hurt his left knee playing football before England’s one-day international against Australia at The Oval last September, following a tackle by team-mate Owais Shah but the injury, which delayed his participation in the series, wasn’t as bad as first feared.

He said "The England physio and Nimmo Reid at Kent both felt there was nothing major structurally wrong but I had felt a bit of pain and was a bit worried so wanted peace of mind and to feel comfortable myself.

"I was happy when the surgeon Andy Williams told me nothing was wrong. I was told to rest for three weeks but I hope to get back hitting balls in the nets soon."

Denly is waiting to hear whether he will be included in the squads for the three-one-day internationals and two Tests against Bangladesh in February and March which will be announced next week.

Meanwhile, Denly and agent David Fulton are in contract talks with the county about extending his present deal which runs out this summer.