Middlesex County Cricket Club have announced that the injury Tom Helm sustained during the Royal London Cup match against Sussex at Hove on Sunday will prevent him from playing for the remainder of the season.

Helm slipped whilst fielding a ball on the fine leg boundary during the game, a fall that caused him to leave the field and prevent him from bowling.

Scans revealed that Helm had torn ligaments in his right ankle, an injury that required surgery. The operation to repair the damage took place on Tuesday evening and his recovery period is four months.

Middlesex's managing director of cricket Angus Fraser said: "This is extremely disappointing news for Tom and everyone at the club. This was a freak injury and Tom is having no luck at all at the moment.

"Supporters often moan about cricket not being played in less than perfect conditions and I am one for getting on with the game.

Angus Fraser

"I believe conditions in Sussex were fit for cricket but injuries like this should make people aware of the possible consequences of playing when ground conditions are questionable. A year of a young man's career has been taken away.

"Having worked exceptionally hard to overcome the back problem that ruined his 2015 season he was making wonderful progress.

"This is cruel reward for all that effort. But anyone who witnessed Tom bowl for the first XI this season will realise he is a special talent and we will continue to support him.

"Young cricketers with his potential come along very rarely and he remains a pivotal figure in Middlesex's future plans."