Zimbabwe batsman Stuart Carlisle has been ruled out of the upcoming one-day series with England and South Africa after undergoing surgery on his broken right thumb.
The news is a major blow to Zimbabwe's hopes for the triangular series. The 31-year-old has been one of their few successes on what has been a tough tour to date, scoring three centuries.
His injury was incurred while fielding against Somerset on Tuesday just hours after he had struck a magnificent 120.
Carlisle's thumb bone has been screwed together and recovery time is estimated at between three and six weeks, effectively ruling him out of the remainder of the tour.
"Stuart has been our most prolific batsman and is probably playing as well as at any time in his career," said Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak.
"He was looking forward to carrying that form into the one day series and his loss is a blow to the side and obviously a major disappointment for him personally.
"His departure opens the way for other batsmen to stake a claim in the one day team, such as Stuart Matsikenyeri who has impressed with two fifties so far in the lead up games."
No replacement for Carlisle will be requested by team management as the Zimbabwe squad already consists of 16 players, one more than was originally planned for the one day series.
{{/usCountry}}No replacement for Carlisle will be requested by team management as the Zimbabwe squad already consists of 16 players, one more than was originally planned for the one day series.
{{/usCountry}}It has been a miserable tour for Zimbabwe, who followed up heavy defeats in both Test matches against England by losing a one-day match to Ireland. After scraping a win over Somerset, they were then beaten by Hampshire on Thursday.
Zimbabwe's final warm-up for the international series is against Essex at Chelmsford on Sunday.
The series begins with England taking on the Zimbabweans at Nottingham on June 26.