“We are naturally disappointed that Mitch will be unable to join us this season, particularly at such short notice ahead of the campaign,” Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, said. “However, we wish him a full and speedy recovery.

“We are currently assessing our options with regard to potential replacement players and their availability.”

“Despite this setback, having recently returned from Desert Springs, where the men’s squad completed an excellent week-long training camp, I have been extremely encouraged by what we have seen over the course of the week,” Chilton said. “The attitude has been first-class, morale is high, and the two-day inter-squad game was highly competitive. The squad is hungry, motivated, and ready to get the season underway.

“We are excited for the new campaign and determined to build on the progress made during the second half of last year, with Steven Croft leading as head coach and James Anderson as County Championship captain.”