Nottinghamshire have suffered a major blow with the news that Michael Lumb will miss at least the first month of the new season following surgery on a torn tendon in his arm.
The 35-year-old suffered the problem while playing for Big Bash League runners-up Sydney Sixers and, after returning to the UK to undergo surgery, will be occupying the sidelines for 12 weeks.
Nottinghamshire physio Jon Alty told the club’s official website: “Michael’s surgery was successful, and he’s due to begin rehab shortly, but I don’t want to put a date on his full recovery.
“He’ll be doing gentle rehabilitation work for the next four to six weeks, before a full return to batting programme from eight weeks.”
Lumb is the second Notts top-order batsman to be ruled out of the beginning of the fresh campaign after Jake Libby sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury playing grade cricket in Australia.
The duo’s absence leaves the door open for Alex Hales, Greg Smith and Steven Mullaney to stake a claim at the top of the order, according to director of cricket Mick Newell.
“The surgery was necessary if we’re going to see him back fully fit,” he said.
“With Alex not in the IPL and Jake Libby still months away from a playing comeback, we’re a little thin on numbers.
“This is a huge opportunity for players to impress, take advantage of the space in the team and step up.
“Greg Smith and Steven Mullaney will see this as a chance to get into our team and get our season started in the right manner.”
On Libby’s recovery, Alty added: “Jake’s is the best ACL reconstruction I’ve ever seen. We’re still in the very early stages, but are on track for the planned six-month return to action.
“He’s back in the gym, and is due to start running soon. Having a player as dedicated to recovery as Jake is excellent to see."