Sussex’s injury jinx struck again after Ajmal Shahzad broke down on his comeback at Arundel Castle yesterday.

Shahzad bowled just four overs on the opening day of the Championship clash with Durham before leaving the field for treatment.

The former England seamer was making his first appearance since tearing a pectoral muscle against Middlesex five weeks ago and could now face another extended spell on the sidelines.

Coach Mark Robinson said: “It is really frustrating. Aj declared himself fit but the pressures and stresses of playing in a game are different to practise.

“The problem is in the same area but we are hoping it is not the same injury. He won’t bowl again in the match which is a real blow as it only leaves us with two seamers.”

Shahzad joins Chris Jordan, Jimmy Anyon, Lewis Hatchett, Ollie Robinson and Tymal Mills in the treatment room. Mills is due to see a specialist about his ongoing back problem today after missing the NatWest T20 Blast match against Surrey on Sunday.