Jamie Hewitt, Oxfordshire's new player-coach, has been struck down by injury just as the season is getting under way.

The 28-year-old former Middlesex and Kent seamer has a mystery back problem, and is due to see a doctor today.

Speaking while lying flat on his back at his home at Lord's, Hewitt, Oxon's first paid professional for 70 years, said: "A couple of weeks ago I was training with the boys and I played a sweep shot and got up and into my stance to play the next ball and just collapsed.

"The left-hand side of my lower back gave way and ever since then it has been a bit sore. A week later it seemed to have got better and I had another session with the boys. I felt it a bit, but it was nothing really major.

"I woke up the next morning and I couldn't move and ever since then I have not been able to move.

"I am going to see a doctor with a view to having a scan or an X-ray to see why the problem is not getting better with rest or painkillers.

"It could be a trapped nerve or a disc problem.

Despite the injury, Hewitt, who plays for Whitstable in Kent, hopes to be back by the time Oxfordshire open their Minor Counties Championship campaign against Wiltshire at Banbury on May 29-31.

"At the moment I would not have a clue when I will be playing," he said. "But I would be very disappointed if I am not ready for the first championship game.

"That is still a month and a bit away and in between then I have got seven club games."