Tahir made his international debut at the World Cup

Hampshire overseas player Imran Tahir will miss the start of the season after breaking his thumb at the World Cup.

The South Africa leg-spinner, 32, has returned to The Rose Bowl after spending a season with Warwickshire.

"Imran had an operation recently and he's not going be with us until late May or June," Hampshire manager Giles White told BBC Radio Solent.

"He said the operation went well and he might do his last bit of rehab back in Hampshire before he starts in June."

The Pakistan-born right-armer, who has also had spells with Middlesex and Yorkshire, took 96 wickets in two seasons for Hampshire before moving to Edgbaston for a year.

His absence could provide a further opportunity to left-arm spinner Danny Briggs, who has been on tour in the Caribbean with England Lions.

"We have a great replacement in Danny Briggs and we will work with that," added White.

Hampshire begin their County Championship campaign against Durham at The Rose Bowl on Friday.

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