Australia pace bowler Shaun Tait has undergone surgery on his right shoulder and could be back playing sooner than expected, Cricket Australia said on Friday.

Tait was withdrawn from the Australian side for matches against the World XI after experiencing pain in his bowling shoulder playing club cricket last week.

Scans revealed torn cartilage in his shoulder and it was initially thought he could be out of action for at least four months, though Australian team doctor Trefor James said recovery time could be reduced after the surgery on Thursday.

"The injury was not as extensive as had been anticipated and he will be able to resume playing sooner than had been initially expected," James said in a statement.

Tait could be named for the home triangular series including Sri Lanka and South Africa in January, or the one-day series in South Africa in February.

The 22-year-old's quicker than expected recovery will be good news for Australia, whose pace bowling stocks are under pressure.

Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz were dropped from the side after a disappointing Ashes series, while Glenn McGrath was rested for Friday's second one-day international against the World XI.