David Payne to miss start of County Championship season with ankle injury

The bowler is expected to be back in action in time for the Gloucestershire's T20 Blast opener against Kent

David Payne will miss the start of the county season after undergoing surgery on his ankle.

The 32-year-old bowler began experiencing discomfort in his right ankle while representing Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash.

He could be out for up to 12 weeks, ruling him out of the first half of the County Championship season, but is expected to back in action in time for Gloucestershire's T20 Blast opener against Kent on May 24.

Payne has made 115 first-class appearances for Gloucestershire, taking 328 wickets at 29.58. Last season, he made six red-ball outings for the club, taking 17 wickets.

^{Payne began experiencing discomfort in his ankle while playing in the Big Bash [Matt King/Getty Images]}

^{Payne is expected to be back in action in time for the T20 Blast [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]}

A crucial cog in their T20 XI, he has taken 145 wickets in 111 Blast appearances, a haul which places him inside the top-10 wicket-takers in the competition's history.

"It's really disappointing to be missing the start of the season. It was an extremely difficult decision to go ahead with the surgery," he said. "However, I know it is the right decision for me and my career in the long run.

"I look forward to supporting the lads in any way I can while I'm in rehab and will do my best to get back out on the park as soon as possible."

Performance director, Steve Snell, added: "Naturally it is disappointing to lose David for the start of the season during what will be a vital period of County Championship cricket for us, but the most important thing is ensuring David is able to bowl pain free to his highest potential."