Somerset have reported positive news on Alfonso Thomas’ broken ankle a day after the shock that Craig Kieswetter could miss next season as he struggles to fully regain his sight after a horrible injury last summer.
Experienced seam bowler Thomas suffered his break when he slipped while playing golf a few weeks after a successful season, during which he claimed 57 first-class wickets at 23.94.
Somerset reported in late October that the 37-year-old was “on his way to making a full recovery” and today he said: “Things are going pretty well for me and I reckon we maybe just ahead of schedule.
“I’m a bit frustrated because I can’t do some of the things that the rest of the lads are doing. I have been doing a lot of mobility work on my ankle and have been using the pool at the Nuffield Hospital in Taunton, which they have kindly allowed me to use which has been great."
“Now it’s a question of getting the strength back up and getting the ankle back to as normal as it can be, so it will be a long time until I am 100% fit but things are looking good for the start of the season.”
Thomas, who memorably took four wickets in four balls versus Sussex in June, added: “I have had the cast removed and will have another check-up on December 22nd and hopefully I will be able to begin running soon after Christmas.
“I have been walking through my bowling drills just to get the bowling muscles going a little bit, but I am trying hard not to get overly excited about things as I have to be patient, so everybody is keeping a very close eye on me!”
Somerset physiotherapist Jamie Thorpe said: “Everything is looking really good and Alfonso is working hard and being really diligent about things.”
“We are pretty much on schedule and pleased with the way that things are going.
“We have been lucky enough to have access to the excellent facilities of Nuffield Health Taunton for elements of Alfonso’s rehabilitation along with using an exogen machine and new muscle stimulation device that we purchased from Chattanooga [in the USA]. These factors have given us a great deal of support whilst managing Alfonso’s recovery."