Tom Latham suffers broken hand in training

Tom Latham will miss the start of Warwickshire’s Rothesay County Championship campaign after breaking his right hand in training.

The New Zealand Test captain was in contention to make his debut in the second Division One game of the season away at Durham starting on 11 April.

But fans will have to wait a little longer to see him in a Bears shirt after he broke his hand in training with his domestic club side Canterbury earlier this week.

Latham told the Club he was “gutted” by the injury which is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks.

It’s hoped the 32-year-old – who has signed a one-year deal to play all formats in 2025 – will recover in time for Warwickshire’s trip to Yorkshire at the start of May.

And it means Latham and Bears’ fellow overseas signing – Australian allrounder Beau Webster who’s signed a three-month deal starting in May – could both make their first starts for the Club at Headingley.

Warwickshire First Team Coach Ian Westwood, said: “Tom’s due to arrive with us on 8 April so he was always missing the first game of the season. If the injury heals well, he’ll only sit out two games for us, that’s what we’re hoping for.

“Clearly it’s disappointing but he’s with us for the duration of the season so will have plenty of time to make his mark.”

Latham has been a mainstay of the New Zealand top order for a decade – averaging 38.78 in 85 Tests – and has more than 250 international caps to his name.

And he’s a vastly experienced First Class cricketer having made more than 160 red ball appearances (42.22 average) in which he amassed 26 centuries.

Speaking to the Club recently he said: “Plenty of Kiwis have gone before me at Edgbaston which is nice and I’ve heard some great things about the place from people like Jeets Patel.

“I’m genuinely excited about the move. I love playing cricket in England, whether it’s four-day or T20. The support counties get is pretty incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to play at a few counties but to play at Edgbaston – a ground I’ve played at before with New Zealand – will be very special.”