Tino Best bet for Hampshire with Fidel Edwards set for surgery

Edwards is one of many key players injured this season for Hampshire, who also saw newly-signed England bowler Reece Topley break his hand while batting in a Specsavers County Championship game.

Edwards' injury came during a pre-game kick-about at Headingley last week, and Hampshire moved quickly to sign Ireland seamer Craig Young.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said: "Unfortunately Fidel has had a serious break and will have to undergo surgery on Tuesday.

"It's a real shame for him, he has been unbelievable since he has been with us and has become an extremely popular member of the club.

"We will support him through his recovery and look forward to having him back in a Hampshire shirt as soon as possible. He is a class act and the team will miss him."

The county have now brought in his former international team-mate Best

The 34-year-old joins the south-coast club having not played for the West Indies since a Twenty20 international in January 2014.

A combative paceman, Best has 25 Tests and 26 one-day internationals to his name, with White saying: "He trained with us in Barbados during pre-season and looked good. It has come about at short notice, initially on a short term contract.

"He seems excited about the opportunity and very motivated to do well; we look forward to seeing how things develop."