Marshall sustains thumb injury

Hamish Marshall, Gloucestershire's overseas player, will be out of action for three to four weeks due to a thumb injury. Marshall chipped a bone while fielding at gully during the first day of the County Championship match against Leicestershire at Grace Road, and x-rays later revealed a small fracture.

However, Jon Lewis, the Gloucestershire captain, was hopeful of Marshall's quick return, given that the extent of the injury wasn't as bad as feared. "It is particularly unfortunate for us, because he has obviously started very well for us this season," Lewis told Sporting Life. We hope it is not as bad as it could have been. It is not really a fracture - just a chip. We hope in three or four weeks he will be back."

This is Marshall's second injury setback this year, after being struck on the ribs by Makhaya Ntini during New Zealand's tour of South Africa in April. He began the county season well with a century (102) against Worcestershire two weeks back. It is a double blow for Gloucestershire who lost the services of Shane Bond at the start of the season due to a knee injury.

There is a likelihood of Marshall batting over the next few days and Lewis was optimistic about his team's chances after the first day, after the hosts managed 332 for 9 on a difficult pitch. "We think 332 for 9 is 'even stevens'," he said. "They got a few runs at the end, which sometimes happens. There is no such thing as a tailender any more."