Mike Yardy will be missing when Sussex start the new cricket season tomorrow.

The county’s 30-year-old captain practised earlier this week with the squad for the first time since returning early from England’s World Cup campaign a fortnight ago to be treated for depression.

But he is not ready to make a competitive return against Lancashire at Liverpool as Sussex return to Division One of the LV County Championship.

Yardy will be given as long as he needs before playing again, according to cricket manager Mark Robinson.

He said: “Yards is not ready to play yet, as expected.

“He came in on Tuesday, had a hit and was around the boys which was great but we are allowing him to do everything day by day.

“He has had a traumatic five months, as all the boys who have been away so long with England have.

“It was tough for them - exciting but mentally challenging. Unfortunately Yards had to come out it and now he needs space to re-charge and recover and come back to lead this county forward.”

Yardy will attend next Tuesday’s media day but will not be made available for interview.

The county have named three of their winter signings – Amjad Khan, Naveed Arif and Kirk Wernars – in the 12-man squad to face Lancashire.

Sussex (from): Joyce, Nash, Brown, Goodwin (capt), Gatting, Wells, Wernar, Arif, Rana Naved, Amjad Khan, Anyon, Panesar.