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Page last updated at 11:45 GMT, Thursday, 19 June 2008 12:45 UK

Lengthy lay-off blow for Spearman

Craig Spearman
Spearman could be out of action until August (Getty)

Gloucestershire batsman Craig Spearman is set to be out of action for six weeks with a a facial injury that is worse than was first feared.

The 36-year-old suffered a fractured cheekbone when he was struck in the face by a delivery against Northants.

Spearman, who is having surgery in a Bristol hospital, will miss the rest of the Twenty20 Cup campaign.

The New Zealander is also a doubt for the Cheltenham Festival, which starts at the end of July.