Gidman flying home

England A's captain, Alex Gidman, is flying home from the tour to India after failing to recover from a hand injury.

Gidman sustained the injury before Christmas, after being struck in the nets at Loughborough by his team-mate Simon Jones. Though he was passed fit for the tour, and made 21 not out in the opening match in Malaysia, he has been unable to practice since due to continuing discomfort.

An England & Wales Cricket Board spokesman said that Gidman would be flying home from Madras later this week, while Gloucestershire's website added that he was returning "for rest and treatment, having visited two specialists" in India.

Gidman, 22, had been a surprise choice as captain, as he had only completed one full season of county cricket. But he was a pivotal figure in a successful season, and even hit the winning runs in the C&G Trophy final. One of his biggest fans was the chairman of selectors, David Graveney, who said: "I've been mightily impressed with Alex since I first saw him playing for Gloucestershire. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw him playing international cricket sooner rather than later."

James Tredwell has taken charge of the team since Gidman's injury, and will continue to lead them for the rest of the tour.