Billy Taylor's injury jinx has struck again.

The Sussex fast bowler will be out for another three weeks after breaking the little finger on his right hand during fielding practice.

Taylor had only just started bowling again following surgery on his ankle in February.

This latest setback means he will miss the opening week of the season, ruling him out of contention for the opening National League match against Worcestershire on April 29.

Although Taylor made just five Championship appearances last season, he played in 11 one-day games and would have been a good bet to play in the opening second division match at New Road.

He said: "It's ironic really. The ankle is fine and I had started to bowl at full pace and then I did this."

The county may change the format for their friendly against Gloucestershire, starting on Sunday. The match was originally scheduled to be over three days, but the teams may opt to play a two-day game and then a one-dayer to give as many players as possible an opportunity to play.

The game takes place at Hastings because Hove is still unfit after recent rain.

The Open Day scheduled for tomorrow has also been postponed and will take place on Saturday, May 26 during the Championship game against Warwickshire.

Former England and Sussex captain David Sheppard has accepted an offer to succeed the Duke of Richmond and Gordon as the club's president.