Yorkshire and Undercliffe batsman Bradley Parker misses the start of the season with an ankle injury which will keep him out for at least three weeks.

The news is a double blow for Parker, who was fighting hard for a regular middle- order place with Yorkshire as well as wanting to make a good impression with his new club after moving from Bradford and Bingley.

This season could be the last in which Parker has a real chance of establishing himself with Yorkshire, and he made the ideal start to his preparations by scoring a century in the first match of the county's pre-season tour of South Africa.

But shortly after his tour effectively came to an end when he stumbled and severely damaged ligaments in his ankle. "I have tried some training, but have been very much restricted and it will be three weeks before the ankle is strong enough for me to bat again," said Parker.

Showers and snow meant Yorkshire could only practise indoors.

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