JERMAINE LANNAMAN, STAR Writer

Departing Jamaica Franchise captain, Tamar Lambert, has expressed delight at the speed of his recovery after undergoing minor knee surgery earlier this month.

The 34-year-old underwent surgery on April 7 at the University Hospital of the West Indies. Cartilage was removed from his injured left knee.

The surgery was conducted by renowned orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Mansingh.

Lambert damaged the knee during the four-day tournament last November in Trinidad, but said he continued to play, throughout the season, despite feeling pain, by the use pain- killers.

"At the end of the season, I was told by the doctor that I needed surgery, and that it would keep me out for five to six weeks. I'm pretty happy that I was able to get over with it," he said

Lambert, Jamaica's most recognisable batsman in the absence of West Indies representatives Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, noted that the surgery process included a keyhole operation.

He received about a dozen stitches, which were taken out after a week.

Since then, the burly middle-order batsman has started rehabilitation under Jamaica physical trainer, David Bernard Sr.

"I started rehab last week. He (Bernard) said I am doing a good job at the moment, in terms of my recovery."

Benard is off the island but left a programme for Lambert.

Lambert, who has three centuries and 59 fifties from 96 first-class appearances, and, is looking towards playing as a batsman only next season, struggled during the recent WICB four-day Professional League.

He made 404 runs an average of 23.76 from 10 matches with a top score of 87 being his only total past the half-century century mark.

"It (knee) was really a bother, and, I believe it hampered me from performing to the best of my ability," he said.