Kabir suffers another injury setback

Worcestershire paceman Kabir Ali is to have a second scan to determine the extent of his back problem in the latest setback of an injury-hit season. But the former England player, who has already missed two months of the campaign with a hamstring problem, is optimistic of a quick return.

Kabir picked up 59 first-class wickets last season and played a major part in Worcestershire gaining promotion from Division Two of the County Championship. But the Pears have sorely missed him and Simon Jones during the current campaign and are still searching for their first win in the Championship this season.

Kabir said: "It has been a frustrating season. I had a bad hamstring injury, got back into rhythm after a couple of months out, but then the back felt a bit sore. The first scan didn't show a lot and that is why I am going for a second scan this week. The doctor said there was nothing to worry about, that nothing major has come out of the scan, but we just want to get a second opinion."

Kabir added: "It is the first time I've missed such a large chunk of the season. My normal goal is to get through a season injury-free and that hasn't happened this time. But there is still quite a lot of cricket left so I am hoping to come back pretty soon."

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes was more cautious. He said: "Kabir had a first scan and we are still unsure what the problem is. He will have a second scan and then hopefully we will know more."