SUSSEX are planning to make do without star bowler Jason Lewry for another two Championship matches.

The England A left-armer is not ready to make his long-awaited return against Gloucestershire at Hove, starting tomorrow.

He is also expected to miss the trip to Lord's to face Middlesex from May 26.

Sussex want him to figure instead in the four-day game for the Seconds against Surrey at Hove, beginning 24 hours earlier.

They hope Lewry will then be fit for his first appearance of the season against Worcestershire at Horsham from June 2.

Lewry has been sidelined by pre-season surgery on a shoulder injury.

General manager Dave Gilbert said: "It wouldn't be fair to put him straight back into the first team without any cricket under his belt.

"We desperately miss him, but we don't want to rush him back."

Lewry started his comeback at Hove yesterday in a friendly against an Australian X1 comprised of players from the Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire Leagues.

He bowled a handful of overs before a precautionary visit to the physio.

Cricket manager Peter Moores said: "Somebody hit the ball back, he fielded it and just by instinct threw it at the stumps. He felt a twinge, but he's allright.

"He looked very promising considering it was his first time out in the middle for a while."

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