YORKSHIRE fast bowler, Steve Kirby broke down with an undiagnosed back problem during the Second XI match against England Under-19s at Headingley this week and will now undergo tests to try to determine the cause.

Kirby captured a wicket in his first over but went down in pain after bowling his 13th delivery.

The paceman was troubled by his back during Yorkshire's opening Championship match of the season against Essex last week and because there was a doubt over his fitness he was taken out of the squad for Nottinghamshire and replaced by Tim Bresnan.

"We felt he needed to test his fitness in the Second XI and unfortunately the problems have resurfaced," said director of cricket David Byas.

Kirby said: "I have had something wrong with my back for a few days and have arranged to see a consultant. It is bitterly disappointing to have an injury at this early stage of the season but hopefully I will be all right soon."

Meanwhile, Yorkshire are heading for one of their worst weather-hit Championship matches in recent times as they still await the start of their game with Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge following a second blank day yesterday.

If the game gets underway with less than eight hours remaining, it will become a single innings affair with no bonus points at stake. The winners would get 14 points and a draw would give each side four points.

The last time Yorkshire were involved in such a contest was against Gloucestershire at Scarborough in 1978 when Gloucestershire were bowled out for 161 and Yorkshire went on to win by two wickets.

If the current game does not get started at all, it will be Yorkshire's first total washout in the Championship since 1987 when they were due to play Sussex at Hastings.

Despite last summer being remembered for its warmth and sunshine, there was plenty of rain early on and the third and fourth days were lost in Yorkshire's first away match of the season against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl.

The two consecutive blank days in the present game at Trent Bridge are the first on the ground since Nottinghamshire played Warwickshire in May, 2001.

Updated: 11:07 Friday, April 30, 2004