Metters hit by shoulder setback

Warwickshire left-arm spinner Chris Metters has suffered another injury setback and will miss the start of the season after being forced to have further surgery on a shoulder problem.

The 22-year-old made an excellent impression in his debut season of 2011 - he claimed 6 for 65 on debut and fulfilled the role of first-choice spinner for much of the time - but was unable to bowl in 2012 after undergoing shoulder surgery. Having returned to bowling in pre-season, he suffered a recurrence of the injury and his absence is likely to be measured in months rather than weeks.

While Metters was unable to accompany Warwickshire on their pre-season trip to Barbados, the club did take Peter McKay. The 18-year-old wicketkeeper, who has developed through the club's youth system, has the opportunity to stake a claim as deputy to Tim Ambrose, though the club have also contacted Jonathan Batty and Ben Scott, both of whom left the professional game at the end of last season, to ascertain their availability if required. Last season's back-up, Richard Johnson, joined Derbyshire over the winter.

Sam Hain, the 17-year-old who has represented Australia U19, is also on the tour though his future in the English game is subject to a registration hearing at Lord's on April 4. He agreed a contract with Warwickshire last year but stayed in Australia to finish his schooling.