Somerset's Josh Davey targets pre-season after second groin surgery

Despite having procedures on an injury aggravated while on Scotland duty at the T20 World Cup the 31-year-old is optimistic ahead of the new campaign

Josh Davey, the Somerset seamer, is hopeful of being fit in time for the new season despite undergoing a second bout of surgery on a long-term groin injury.

The 31-year-old had been managing the problem last season but exacerbated the issue while on Scotland duty at the T20 World Cup.

He underwent surgery in November upon his return but it did not cure the symptoms.

Davey was advised to undergo a second procedure earlier this month which will keep him out for another six weeks.

But he retains hope of returning for the start of Somerset's preparations ahead of the 2022 domestic season.

"Unfortunately, I picked up a groin injury at the World Cup,” he said. 

"I was managing the issue towards the end of the summer, but it flared up towards the end of the World Cup.

^{Davey claimed nine wickets during the T20 World Cup (Francois Nel/Getty Images Sport)}

"Initially, I had a surgical procedure in November to address the issue. 

"I’ve come back pretty well form that, but it didn’t really quite remedy all the symptoms that I was getting, so I recently had a follow-up surgery, which the consultant feels will give me the best chance to progress with my recovery."

He added: "I love bowling, but it’s important not to jump back into it too quickly. It’s a long season, so it’s vital that I get myself right first. 

"When you’re looking down the barrel of seven months of bowling you need to make sure that your body is ready to go before you start. Coming back too soon and putting yourself on the sidelines for longer is not what anyone wants in this situation."

Somerset kick-off their preparations for the new campaign with a two-day friendly against Glamorgan starting on March 21.

Three-day games against Gloucestershire (March 26-29) and Warwickshire (April 1-3) follow before the LV=Insurance County Championship opener against Hampshire at The Ageas Bowl from April 7.

Davey was Somerset's leading wicket-taker across the formats in 2021, claiming 56 in 25 matches.