DAVID WILLEY could still start the season with Yorkshire despite being ruled out of England’s forthcoming one-day series in the Caribbean with a shoulder injury.

Willey will miss the three-match tour in early March having undergone surgery on his left shoulder.

He suffered a partially torn tendon while bowling in India last month.

The ECB say the all-rounder will be out of action until April, but it is hoped that he will be fit again during the first half of the month.

Yorkshire, who travel to Dubai in late March for their pre-season tour, face Leeds Bradford MCC Universities in a three-day friendly on April 2.

Their first County Championship match is against Hampshire at Headingley on April 7.

Willey was not a regular selection in Championship cricket last year, his first summer in a Yorkshire shirt, and it may be that Andrew Gale opts to give him more time to ensure he is fit for the start of the Royal London one-day Cup on April 29.

Willey has been replaced in the England squad by Steven Finn. They leave for the Caribbean next Wednesday.