JASON LEWRY is coming home early from England A's tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The Sussex fast bowler is suffering from fluid on a shoulder joint in his bowling arm and is returning to England for rest and further treatment.

Lewry played in the second unofficial Test against Zimbabwe, as England clinched the series 1-0, but was ruled out of the one-day series earlier this week by a knee problem and then a bout of food poisoning.

Sussex's Gnneral Manager, Dave Gilbert, said: "Jason has had some treatment out there but the only cure now is ten days of rest.

"The tour will virtually be over by then so he's coming home and we will obviously have a look at him when he gets back.

"From our point of view it's absolutely imperative that he is fit for the start of the season so we're pleased that sanity has prevailed."

Lewry earned the call-up after taking 62 first-class wickets last season. He played in the tour opener against a Country Districts XI, taking 3-52, and has taken seven wickets in total.

Added Gilbert: "It's obviously disappointing for Jason that he's coming home early, but he has had a taste of international cricket and hopefully he can build on that next season."

Meanwhile Sussex are likely to start their pre-season preparations with a five-day squad session at skipper Chris Adams' old school Repton at the end of March.

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