Tudor struggling for season opener

Alex Tudor, the Essex and former England fast bowler - whose career has been blighted by persistent injuries - is struggling to be fit for the start of the domestic season following complex knee surgery.

Tudor signed for Essex two years ago but played just twice last season, when a degenerative knee defect was identified.

"I'm really chuffed with the way he has progressed. It's a case of crossing our fingers," Ronnie Irani, the Essex captain, told BBC Sport while on tour with his county in South Africa. "Prior to his arrival at Essex, Alex had a hip problem which was the reason why he was released by Surrey .

"But we sorted that out and he doesn't have an issue with that anymore. We are very hopeful that Alex is going to perform wonders for us at this county and if he stays fit then he will do exceptionally well."

Essex's first Championship game of the summer is against Northamptonshire on April 19 at Chelmsford.