Yorkshire new recruit Richard Harden broke a bone in his left hand at Headingley yesterday and is expected to be out of action for at least a month.

The 33-year-old ex-Somerset batsman was struck by a wicked delivery from Gloucestershire paceman Jon Lewis which lifted sharply off a length and evaded the special protection which Harden has on the side of his glove.

Harden, who flung off his glove in frustration, was taken to hospital for an X-Ray which revealed the break and later in the day he visited a specialist for a further diagnosis of the injury.

"I'm absolutely devastated that this should happen in my debut match for Yorkshire," said Harden who was eagerly anticipating a return visit to Somerset next week and making a big score against his former county.

"I am really enjoying myself with Yorkshire and after a pretty successful pre-season tour of South Africa with them I was confident of making an impact."I was happy with my batting in the first innings of this game but unfortunately I cannot play balls which do what this one did. You accept getting hit on the bottom hand but to get smashed on the top hand is not what you would expect."

Harden has a history of hand injuries and two seasons ago he broke a bone while batting against Leicestershire at the Bath festival in June and did not play again all season.

He had hoped to get fit but broke the bone again during a benefit game.

Last summer, Harden was restricted to 11 championship games because of a hamstring injury and his hopes of a full season with Yorkshire this year have now been dashed.

The start of play was delayed today, and Yorkshire managed only 90 minutes play yesterday morning before the rain set in.

Although they remain in a fairly strong position they were badly rattled by Lewis's lethal spell in which he claimed the three second innings wickets to fall as well as injuring Harden.

Australian Greg Blewett failed for the second time on his county debut when he was unable to avoid contact with a good ball which moved across him and Michael Vaughan also disappointed again by being pinned lbw.

David Byas popped back a catch and at 37 for three Yorkshire's overall lead was exactly 150.

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