Skipton-born Chapple injured himself against Yorkshire

New Lancashire captain Glen Chapple could miss the start of the season after suffering a torn right hamstring on tour in Sharjah last week.

The former England one-day all-rounder picked up the injury while bowling in a warm-up friendly against Yorkshire.

And the 35-year-old now faces a fitness battle to be ready for his side's first competitive fixture against Glamorgan at Old Trafford on 19 April.

Hamstring injuries of this kind usually take four to five weeks to clear up.

But Chapple is now undergoing intensive treatment at Old Trafford before he goes back to se a specialist next week.

He was keenly awaiting the 2009 season, his first as skipper, after being appointed only last October - as successor to the outgoing Stuart Law.

Lancashire will also be under a new coach, Peter Moores, following his sacking by the England and Wales Cricket Board, when they start the new season with a three-day game against Durham University on 11 April.

They then have a five-day break before the Friends Provident Trophy game against Glamorgan (1200 BST).

And Chapple is still hoping to be fit for the first County Championship fixture will be at Hove against Sussex on 21 April.

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