By Andrew Gidley

Kent are waiting for news on injured opener Joe Denly after he was forced to retire hurt batting against Gloucestershire in the LV=County Championship Division 2 match at Canterbury on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old right hander, pictured in action on Wednesday morning, had scored only eight runs when he was forced off with an injured thumb and sent to hospital for a scan.

Director of Cricket Paul Farbrace said: "Joe was hit while fielding on the last ball of play on Tuesday.

"We are waiting to hear more from the hospital.

"It is too early to know whether he will be able to resume his innings later."

It's the latest injury blow to hit the county inside the opening month of the season with Matt Coles (knee) Dewald Nel (back) and Ashley Shaw (shins) all under treatment.

Picture: Barry Goodwin