WORCESTERSHIRE today revealed that paceman Kabir Ali will miss the opening six weeks of the new season.

The 23-year-old star has been sidelined by a double hernia which required surgery yesterday.

He was diagnosed with the problem after suffering discomfort during pre-season training and is expected to be out of action for 'around six weeks'.

New Road director of cricket Tom Moody said: "This is obviously a big blow to us as a team and Kabir personally as he has been one of our main striker bowlers and key players over the last few seasons.

"Having said that we have good strength in depth in our squad and Kabir's injury will give someone else a great opportunity to make a big impact at the start of this season.

"I have no doubt that Kabir will come back fitter and stronger than ever in a few weeks and show the form we all know he is capable of."

Birmingham-born Kabir picked up 62 first-class wickets for Worcestershire last season when he made his England Test debut against South Africa at Headingley.

He also featured in one match in the NatWest Series when he played against Zimbabwe.

His first-class haul last season included a career-best 8-53 against Yorkshire at Scarborough.

Kabir, who was the County's leading wicket-taker in the National League last term with 22 victims, was for the second year running voted the Professional Cricket Association's player of the year.

News of his injury setback comes at a time when the County are stepping up their hectic pre-season programme.

Tomorrow they will take part in an inter-squad match at Ombersley Cricket Club before opening a three-day friendly against Cardiff UCCE at New Road on Saturday.

They also face a three-day 'warm-up' fixture against Essex at Chelmsford a week tomorrow.

New Road skipper Ben Smith and his men will open their Frizzell County Championship Division One campaign against Kent at Canterbury, starting on Wednesday, April 21.

Their first home Championship match is against Sussex, beginning on Wednesday, April 28.