Liam Norwell: Latest injury 'heartbreaking' for Warwickshire coach Mark Robinson

Warwickshire fast bowler Liam Norwell faces further time on the sidelines after suffering a fresh injury setback.

After missing 19 months with back problems, including the entire 2023 season, the 32-year-old reported fit for the new campaign and was included in the Bears' squad.

He was ruled out of Friday's opening-day match against Worcestershire.

Warwickshire head coach Mark Robinson said that players who have been out of action for a long period can pick up additional injuries, but it is not confirmed yet. 

Norwell, a former Gloucestershire, and England Lions player, signed a new contract in April 2023, tying him to Edgbaston "until at least 2025".

He bowled 10 overs in a pre-season friendly against Worcestershire at Edgbaston in March 2023. He then bowled a further six overs in a 50-over friendly against the South Asian Cricket Academy at the Bears' second home at Portland Road last July.

He also played in one of the Bears' three pre-season T20 friendlies in Abu Dhabi, taking two wickets in three overs.

But since his astonishing 9-62 on the final day of the 2022 County Championship season to keep the seemingly doomed Bears in Division One, he has not bowled in a first-class match.