Broken thumb sidelines Ramprakash

Ramprakash's injury continued Surrey's bad luck this summer

Surrey batsman Mark Ramprakash faces a lengthy lay-off after breaking his right thumb in last week's Championship game against Middlesex.

A club statement said the recovery period was "four to six weeks from the time of the injury".

Ramprakash had been captain in the absence of Mark Butcher, who has yet to play this season after wrist surgery.

Graham Thorpe stood in last week but Ali Brown will take the helm for the Twenty20 Cup group matches.

There was more bad news for the club when opener Richard Clinton broke the middle finger on his right hand while batting in a second XI game against Hampshire.

It is hoped, however, that he will be able to play some part in the Twenty20 and his fitness will be checked on a daily basis.

All-rounder Azhar Mahmood, meanwhile, is expected to return to action next week following a shin injury.

Australian Dominic Thornely will continue to deputise in their first three Twenty20 games against Kent, Middlesex and Hampshire.