Alex Gidman's bowling career is hanging in the balance after the Gloucestershire captain was told he must have an ankle operation.

The 28-year-old has admitted that he may not be able to bowl again if the surgery is unsuccessful.

He told Gloucestershire's official website: "It's something that's troubled me for a couple of years. I'm running out of options.

"It will be a case of building things up gradually and testing the ankle."