Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale is to cut short his stay in Australia because of a hip injury.

The left-handed batsman will return to England later this week in order to undergo treatment from the county’s new physio, former Spen Victoria batsman Kunwar Bansil, although the problem is not expected to affect his chances of starting the new county season in April.

Gale has missed the last two weekends of Melbourne grade cricket with club side Dandenong. He is expected to be fully fit for Yorkshire’s pre-season tour of Sri Lanka, which starts on March 12.

“We have been in constant contact with Andrew during his stay in Australia,” explained Bansil.

“He has been complaining of a slight niggle in the hip region and we felt that it would be best for him to return to the UK so we can assess and treat it.

“His priority is with Yorkshire and we have to ensure that he is fully fit ahead of the new season.

“He will spend time with me next week. I hope to have him working on his game in the indoor nets the following week.”

Gale scored his only century during his time Down Under in his final match for Dandenong last month, where he played alongside the likes of Australia international pace bowler James Pattinson and his brother Darren, who played one Test for England.

“My family and I have had a wonderful time in Melbourne over the past few months,” said Gale.

“I would like to thank the Dandenong club, who have made us welcome throughout our stay. We have enjoyed the lifestyle and the opportunity I have been given to play in a very strong competition.

“My sole focus now is to return to Headingley and get myself fit for an important season.”

It is not the first time Gale has suffered from hip problems, with him missing matches in the summer of 2012 because of it.

Meanwhile, Jason Gillespie has ruled himself out of the running for an England coaching job following the resignation of Andy Flower.

The Yorkshire first-team coach has been mentioned as a strong possible contender for the role of managing England.

But former Australia bowler Gillespie, who guided the white rose county to second place in the championship last summer, said: “I’m 100 per cent committed to Yorkshire.

“We believe our club is moving in the right direction on and off the field and I am excited to be part of it.

“I am learning a lot about coaching and people where I am now and I love my job. I would look at an international opportunity down the line but not at this stage.”