Kitzinger ruled out for season

The 28-year-old bowler sustained the injury just before Christmas but has just been told by doctors that he faces a tough battle to be able to resume his Minor Counties Championship career.

Kitzinger, who has made 18 three-day appearances for the county, has been a pivotal part of Dorset's team in recent years.

But the Toft player is currently undergoing rehabilitation after having a finger in his bowling hand sewn back on.

Dorset manager Sean Walbridge said: "Rupes had an accident at work and his absence is a major blow to us. He is going to be a big loss.

"Rupes is hoping to play for us again but it is just how his rehab goes at the moment because he almost lost his finger and then had it sewn back on.

"He has to go through a period of rehab and still has a couple of operations to go through because his finger is still pinned.

"We wish him all the best with his recovery.

"I'm keeping in touch with Rupes every couple of weeks and he rang the guys before our game against Devon to wish them all the best.

"We just have to wait and see what happens with his injury before we can really know whether he can play for us again."

Dorset went into their 85-run MCCA Trophy reverse against Devon at Dean Park on Sunday without four seamers in total.

Apart from Kitzinger, Dan Belt, Greg Jones and Phil Lewis were all sidelined with back injuries.

With his side due to visit Cornwall on Sunday, and host Berkshire at Dean Park on Bank Holiday Monday, May 28, Walbridge said: "It is a good job we have strength in depth and can call on our under-17 youth development team.

"It's a very good opportunity for our younger players to come in and get two or three games under their belts and stake a claim for a regular place."

Wicketkeeper-batsman Chris Park had to pull out of the Devon match with a thumb injury, but plans to have physio on it this week in a bid to be fit for the Cornwall clash at St Just.