Troughton faces back operation

Jim Troughton, Warwickshire's captain, is to undergo a back operation next week after his injury flared up again in pre-season training. The operation will rule him out of the club's pre-season tour to Barbados and automatically puts his fitness in doubt for the start of the season in question.

Dougie Brown, Warwickshire's director of cricket said: "After missing the latter part of the 2013 season with an injury to his lower back, Jim has been taking a full part in the team's pre-season programme since we returned to training in November. However after suffering further discomfort it is clear that he now needs to undergo an operation.

"Whilst it is frustrating to lose Jim for what is an important period of preparation we must give him the best possible chance of regaining full fitness as soon as possible.

"His absence will give some of our young batsmen more time in the middle whilst we are in Barbados and help them challenge for a place in the starting XI when the domestic season gets underway."