Surrey's injury crisis deepens

Surrey's bad luck with their overseas players continued with the news that Azhar Mahmood will miss the first three Twenty20 Cup matches after breaking down with a lower-back injury.

Surrey have already lost Saqlain Mushtaq for the remainder of the summer with a knee injury, and are expected to confirm the signing of Greg Blewett later this week. A groin injury also means Martin Bicknell will be out for at least a fortnight, while Jimmy Ormond will sit out first two Twenty20 Cup matches after breaking down with problems in both knees.

Mahmood has suffered from back trouble before, but it is expected that he will be fit in time to play against Middlesex at Lord's on July 15.