Russell out for at least a month with broken thumb

Jack Russell will be out of action for at least a month after breaking his left thumb during Gloucestershire's Twenty20 Cup match against Northamptonshire at Bristol.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Russell suggested it was the hard balls used in the Twenty20 Cup which broke his thumb. "I'm used to standing up at the end of an innings when the ball is soft, but standing up at the start with a new hard white ball was the problem."

Renown for his shabby and tatty appearance, he added: "My gloves haven't got much protection in them as I like to have a feel for the ball. I usually catch them in the right part of the hand, but didn't on this occasion."

Gloucestershire will be hoping he'll be back to play against Derbyshire in the C&G Trophy semi-final on August 7. In the meantime, Chris Taylor will take his place behind the stumps.