Gloucestershire paceman Liam Norwell will attempt his latest comeback when he turns out for Cheltenham Cricket Club against Corsham on Saturday, writes Andrew Stockhausen.

Sidelined since suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury in the Championship defeat at the hands of Glamorgan in April, last season's leading wicket-taker has been back bowling in the nets in Bristol this week.

And if he comes through this weekend's Western Premier League outing unscathed, there is a chance he could return to competitive county action in the day-night Championship match against Northamptonshire, starting at Wantage Road next Wednesday.

Understandably, head coach Richard Dawson is reluctant to put pressure on Norwell by pin-pointing an exact date for his first-team return.

He warned: "It would not be fair to the player if we did that. Given the history of this injury, there is no way we are going to rush him back.

"I don't have a clue whether or not he will be ready for the pink-ball game, let's just get to the end of this week and then take stock.

"Injuries are part and parcel of being a professional sportsman, but there's no way we are going to put him at risk for the sake of one County Championship game. If he's ready, then fine, but it's too early to say one way or the other at the moment."

Fellow front-line bowler David Payne has rather more chance of facing Northants after coming safely through a second XI game against Surrey at Rockhampton.

The left-arm swing bowler underwent ankle surgery in March and made his long-awaited return in this month's Royal London Cup tie against Middlesex at Bristol, only to limp off after bowling six overs.

"He's okay now and, providing he holds up for the next week, he'll be a contender for the next game," confirmed Dawson.

"He's played in the second XI game this week and, if the ankle responds well, then he could well travel with the squad."

Given the long-term absence of Norwell, Payne and overseas signing Dan Worrall, who returned to Australia after breaking down last month, Gloucestershire's seam bowling resources have been stretched to their absolute limit this season.

Dawson added: "The other bowlers have had to shoulder a big burden and they have done that for some time without complaining.

"Norwell and Payne are important players for us and they have been sorely missed. But their absence has given others a chance to show what they can do and they have stood up to be counted. It's a lot of work to get through when you have to play all the time, but they have got on with it and fronted up."