Carlisle suffers unlucky break

Zimbabwe were dealt a major blow with the news that Stuart Carlisle has been ruled out of the whole of the NatWest Series. Carlisle dislocated his right thumb while fielding against Somerset and an x-ray later confirmed a break. The bone has since been screwed together and will take between three and six weeks to heal, effectively ruling him out of the remainder of the tour.

Carlisle, who has scored three centuries on the tour so far, had originally hoped to play a part in the tournament after breaking his thumb, but that is now out of the equation.

Heath Streak, the Zimbabwe captain, said: "Stuart has been our most prolific batsman and is probably playing as well as at any time in his career. He was looking forward to carrying that form into the one day series and his loss is a blow to the side and obviously a major disappointment for him personally."

He added: "His departure opens the way for other batsmen to stake a claim in the one day team, such as Stuart Matsikenyeri who has impressed with two fifties so far in the lead up games."

However, no replacement for Carlisle will be called up as the Zimbabwe squad already consists of 16 players, one more than was originally planned for this leg of the tour.

Zimbabwe's last game before the NatWest Series is against Essex at Chelmsford on June 22.