Matthew Fisher set for extended spell on the sidelines with back injury

The 24-year-old suffered a “stress reaction” earlier in the season and was initially expected to be out of action for four weeks

Matthew Fisher is set for an extended spell on the sidelines due to a back injury.

The 24-year-old suffered a "stress reaction" in his back ahead of Yorkshire’s LV= Insurance County Championship trip to Northamptonshire on April 21 and was initially ruled out for four weeks.

However, a further examination of the injury has determined that he will require a longer period off the field. No timeline for his recovery has been given.

Speaking following Yorkshire’s Roses clash with Lancashire, head coach Ottis Gibson said: "Fish, initially I’d said four weeks. But further reports from the medical team seems to suggest that’s going to be a slower process than anticipated.

"Because of his injury history, we’re going to have to take a more cautious approach with him."

^{Fisher made his England debut against West Indies in March [Randy Brooks/Getty Images]}

In a statement, Yorkshire added: "Fisher’s rehabilitation program has been progressing well and the club’s medical staff will continue to monitor and work hard with the young fast bowler with his long-term performance in the mind at all times."

Fisher has been plagued by injuries to his back, hamstring, side, thumb, and even a dislocated shoulder across his career but was fit enough to make his England Test  debut against the West Indies in March, picking up one wicket in the second Test.

News of his injury setback comes hot on the heels of Saqib Mahmood being ruled out for the season with a stress fracture and is the latest blow to England’s bowling attack ahead of the Test summer.

Jofra Archer is unlikely to play any red-ball cricket this summer as he continues his return from elbow surgery while Mark Wood and Olly Stone are not expected to be back in action until the T20 Blast. The latter is also only targeting white-ball cricket this year. Chris Woakes, meanwhile, continues to be hampered by shoulder and knee issues and Ollie Robinson has only made two appearances for Sussex, bowling 59 overs.

A handful of less-familiar or even new faces can therefore be expected when England’s Test squad to face New Zealand is announced.

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