County’s Keogh out for at least a month

The batsman was hit by Liam Plunkett, who also inflicted a similar injury on James Kettleborough, and will undergo an operation today.

It is a cruel blow for Keogh who looked set to start in the team after a strong end to the last campaign that saw him register a maiden first-class century against Hampshire.

Both David Willey and Ben Duckett batted in the nets this week and the former took part in some fielding practice but both are not ready to resume playing quite yet.

There could be some more positive news for this weekend’s season opener with Rob Newton, who cracked his thumb in the pre-season outing at Trent Bridge, indicating that he could be in line for selection and the same could also be true for David Sales whose participation in practice sessions has increased this week.