Smith to miss rest of the season

The 29-year-old all-rounder is to undergo an operation on the back problem which has limited him to just one LV= County Championship match in 2015 and he will play no further part this term .

Cricket Director and head coach Ashley Giles said: "This is a huge blow for Tom and for the club.

"As club captain, Tom remains a very important part of the team and our season, and we look forward to him being able to start the journey to play after the operation."

Smith, who succeeded Glen Chapple as captain in February, added: "It is frustrating that I won't be able to play again this season, but I will be in good hands with the medical staff at the club. I would like to thank everybody at the club for their support and I would like to wish the lads all the best for the rest of the season."

Smith was named as Lancashire's Player of the Year in 2014 after taking 54 wickets and scoring 773 runs, although he was not able to save the club from relegation from Division One.

Lancashire are currently top of the Division Two table with six wins and just one defeat from 10 matches.