Collingwood undergoes thumb surgery

Paul Collingwood, Durham's captain, has undergone surgery on a ruptured tendon in his right thumb but is expected to be fit for the start of the Championship season in April.

The injury was sustained over the winter, although it was not operated on immediately, to allow the swelling time to settle down. Collingwood broke the same hand last season, causing him to miss the entire Friends Life t20, but he returned to lead Durham to four successive Championship wins and steer the club away from relegation.

A club statement said: "Paul will have 10 days of complete rest and spend three weeks in a protective splint before commencing a rehabilitation programme which should see him fit for the start of the 2013 season."

Durham begin their first four-day match of the 2013 season against Somerset on April 10, with Collingwood due to commence his first full season as captain after succeeding Phil Mustard last July.