Since returning from New Zealand, I think I should qualify for a hospital loyalty card if there was such a thing. To date, I have had three MRI scans, and two ultrasound scans. I should at least have my own parking space.

I have been relatively lucky with injury in the past and now it seems I am paying my dues and having them all at once. I am, however, very efficient with them…

I returned to British shores with my mystery niggle that I acquired down under. It became a less of a mystery and began healing throughout a four week non-bowling programme. I was able to build up to about 90% and felt good until it relapsed a little bit before we came to the conclusion that it was nothing a good stabbing with a hypodermic needle wouldn’t sort. With my injection appointment all but booked at the local hospital, I travelled up to Leicester on the third day of the first championship game of the season. The idea was to warm-up with the lads and take part in some cricket training, including fielding and light bowling. The reality was that during said warm-up, I rolled my ankle, tore my ligament and put myself out for a further six to eight weeks.

That is what I mean by efficient. I was looking at being out for about another seven to ten days after my injection, so if I was to roll my ankle anyway, I may as well overlap the final ten days of my hamstring injury with the first ten days of my ankle recovery.

I am now preparing myself for several weeks of tedious rehab and training alone. I will be completely out the loop when it comes down to changing room events and will therefore need something else to entertain me. The initial entertainment supplied by the large ‘club-foot’ boot I have to wear for the next week or so will surely wear thin when I keep hitting my head on door roofs and light-shades due to being three inches taller on one side than previously.