James Kirtley still hopes to play a part in Sussex's bid for their first ever County Championship.

But it is unlikely the county's premier fast bowler will play before their final game against Leicestershire in a fortnight's time.

Kirtley is receiving intensive treatment from Sussex physio Stuart Osborne after suffering shin splints during the fourth Test against South Africa last week.

The 28-year-old, who took 13 wickets in two Test appearances, was ruled out of the fifth Test at the Oval which starts on Thursday.

Although he is on the mend, he will not play in Sussex's Championship match against Middlesex at Hove on Friday and is unlikely to be considered for the crunch game against title rivals Lancashire next Wednesday.

Kirtley said: "I'd like to play some cricket for Sussex before the end of the season and it would be great if it was the last game against Leicestershire, that's my target at the moment."

Kirtley has suffered from shin soreness before and this latest setback came during the second innings at Headingley.

"I thought it would clear up but it got progressively worse and for a couple of days last week I was struggling to walk.

"The England medical team said I should rest which is why I wasn't selected for the Oval.

"I'm resting and getting treatment this week and the Lancashire game may be too early for me. I don't want to risk it especially with the winter touring parties being announced after the Oval Test."

Meanwhile, skipper Chris Adams, Tim Ambrose and Mushtaq Ahmed are all fit to return to the side for Sussex's final day-night National League match against Middlesex Crusaders at Hove tomorrow (4.10pm).

A win would lift Sharks off the bottom of the second division.

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