Kettleborough out for weeks with broken finger

The 20-year-old, who is in his first season as a contracted player with the County, got the injury during a fielding practise session and is set to be ruled out until the beginning of June.

It means he joins Sam Sweeney, Christian Davis and Con de Lange in the treatment room at Wantage Road.

Head coach David Ripley said: “It’s a shame for James.

“Its not great timing for him as he is trying to establish himself but there is plenty of cricket left to play and there will be opportunities for him when he comes back.

“He just stubbed his finger into the ground during fielding practise and broke it.

“He is going to have an operation tomorrow when they will pin it and we expect him to be out for four to six weeks.

“Hopefully it won’t be like going through pre-season again for him when he comes back and that he can get back into the swing of things quickly.”

De Lange’s injury is less serious, though, and Ripley foresees no long-term issue while he also hopes Sweeney and Davis will be back into contention soon.

“Con has got a shoulder problem that he picked up in the Second XI game,” Ripley explained.

“It’s nothing too serious and he won’t be out for long.

“Sam and Christian are the only other problems we’ve got.

“They’ve got the injuries they picked up in Barbados but will be back with us quite soon I think.”