The captain of Gloucestershire's county cricket side Alex Gidman has said he hopes his ankle operation will help him be able to bowl without discomfort in the future.

Gidman told BBC Radio Bristol this week the operation was the final resort after trying various methods of easing the pain he was feeling when he bowled.

"We'd pretty much tried everything from changing my bowling action to wearing tennis shoes and a brace," he explained.

The 26-year-old added: "It would be nice to bowl pain-free again."

He will consult a specialist in January to see if he can start running again, expressing the hope that he will be fit to play when the season begins in April.

Those seeking to deal with an ankle injury may find ultrasound treatment helps them recover.

During his first-class career, Gidman has taken 87 first-class wickets in 113 matches with a best bowling record of 4-47, while scoring 6,623 runs with a highest score of 176.