Sussex fast bowler Billy Taylor will next week have surgery on a small stress fracture at the back of his heel.

But the 23-year-old should be fit for the start of the season.

The injury flared up at the end of last year when he was playing club cricket in New Zealand. He was given the option of a cortisone injection but chose surgery to prevent the problem arising again during the season.

He said: "I have to have a bit of bone at the back of my heel removed. It has been caused by the pressure bowling puts on my foot, and has caused me some discomfort."

Although he will join the rest of the Sussex squad on their pre-season tour of Grenada next month, he will be restricted to fitness work and is unlikely to be able to bowl flat out for at least six weeks.

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