Zafar Ansari nearing Surrey return

Zafar Ansari is close to making a return to action for Surrey after a long spell out of the game with a thumb injury.

Surrey were narrowly beaten by Notts in their opening County Championship match of the summer but will be boosted by the news that Ansari is nearing a return.

The all-rounder, who opens the batting for Surrey and bowls left-arm spin, is playing for the Second XI against Sussex and if he passes that test, he will soon be considered for a return to the senior team. Ansari, 24, suffered the damage against Lancashire last September and missed out on England selection as a result.