Luckless Helm out for season after ankle operation

Tom Helm will miss the rest of the season because of an injury sustained during the Royal London Cup match against Sussex at Hove on Sunday.

Scans revealed that Helm had torn ligaments in his right ankle, an injury bad enough to required surgery. The operation to repair the damage took place on Tuesday evening and his recovery period is four months.

Helm slipped whilst fielding a ball on the fine leg boundary during the game, a fall that caused him to leave the field and prevented him from bowling.

One of the most promising young quicks in the country, this is another blow for Helm who missed most of last season with a back injury.

Angus Fraser, Middlesex's MD of cricket, said: "This is extremely disappointing news for Tom and everyone at the club. This was a freak injury and Tom is having no luck at all at the moment.

"Supporters often moan about cricket not being played in less than perfect conditions and I am one for getting on with the game.

"I believe conditions in Sussex were fit for cricket but injuries like this should make people aware of the possible consequences of playing when ground conditions are questionable. A year of a young man's career has been taken away.

Having worked exceptionally hard to overcome the back problem that ruined his 2015 season he was making wonderful progress. This is cruel reward for all that effort.

"But anyone who witnessed Tom bowl for the 1st XI this season will realise he is a special talent and we will continue to support him. Young cricketers with his potential come along very rarely and he remains a pivotal figure in Middlesex's future plans."

Helm has impressed since his maiden first-class appearance for Middlesex at Headingley in September 2013, picking up five Yorkshire wickets in the match on debut, but injuries have restricted him to 15 appearances in all competitions.