Somerset have given Alfonso Thomas permission to take up a short-term coaching role at Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Daredevils while he continues his rehabilitation from a broken ankle.
The 38-year-old seamer was always facing a race against time to be fit for Somerset’s opening LV= County Championship fixture against Durham at Taunton a week on Sunday after sustaining the injury playing golf last October.
With that in mind, the club have allowed Thomas, a regular competitor in the Indian tournament, the opportunity to work with Delhi until April 16.
The South African, Somerset’s limited-overs skipper this season, will also work on his fitness in the sub-continent with a view to being ready for the championship visit of Middlesex on April 26.
Somerset director of cricket Matt Maynard said: "As everyone is aware, Alfonso suffered a broken ankle over the winter.
“Despite him recovering well from this injury, the first LV= County Championship match on April 12 was always going to come around too soon for him to be fully fit for selection.
“The chance arose for him to take on a short-term coaching role at Delhi, which is a great experience, should he wish to move into coaching in the future.
“Medical support to the IPL teams is fantastic and he will be continuing with his rehabilitation whilst in India.
“He will be back with us on April 16 and will be in contention for selection for our second LV= County Championship match of the season which begins on the 26th."
Thomas, who has played one Twenty20 international for South Africa, said: "I have enjoyed my time as a player in the IPL and this is a great opportunity to gain coaching experience in the short term and to work with Gary Kirsten which I am really looking forward to.”