Leicestershire County Cricket Club suffered a blow when it was confirmed that 20 year old all-rounder, Shiv Thakor, will be unable to play for the next three months following an operation earlier this week.
The talented cricketer broke the middle finger of his left hand in the opening warm-up game of the U-19’s tour of South Africa in January 2013, but played through the season despite his injury. He was looked after by Team England, and surgery was delayed so that he wouldn’t miss the start of last year’s summer season.
However, the bone had not healed properly, and the youngster required surgery this winter in order to eradicate the problem. Unfortunately, the operation was unsuccessful, as there were complications involving the joint sliding back into the wrong position. As a result, the promising sportsman undertook a second operation this week in order to reset the bone.
Mr Thakor will be unable to play professionally for three months – which coincides with the start of the season in April, meaning that he will miss the first few matches, including Liverpool Victoria County Championship games against Derbyshire, Kent, Glamorgan and Essex.
Leicestershire CCC Director of Cricket Phil Whitticase said: “We are really disappointed that Shiv will not be available for the start of the season but it is important that the injury is sorted out.” This follows a disappointing run for the team, who finished bottom of the County Championship with no wins.
It is hoped that the Mr Thakor will return to the club at the end of June, undoubtedly a disappointment for an athlete who has been touted for success after becoming the youngest Leicestershire player to score a century on a first-class debut in April 2011. He has played for the club since he was 17, and has demonstrated considerable talent as a batsman, as well as being seen as an impressive sporting role model in the British Asian community.
