The loss of Somerset's experienced fast bowler throws England's selection plans for the forthcoming series into chaos.

Tests on a right foot problem which sidelined Caddick from his county's current championship match against Glamorgan at Taunton revealed he has damaged ligaments in his foot.

The injury is expected to keep him out of contention until after the second Test in Durham starting on June 5.

The injury could sideline Caddick, who retired from one-day international cricket following the World Cup so he could concentrate on playing more Test cricket, for up to six weeks.

His recovery is likely to involve him wearing a protective surgical boot to help overcome the problem.

The England and Wales Cricket Board's chief medical officer Dr Peter Gregory explained: "We'll reassess Andy's condition again in the near future but at this stage we anticipate, that with rest, he should be fit and available for the npower Test Series against South Africa."

Without Caddick, England face the prospect of playing Zimbabwe next week with a highly inexperienced attack likely to include Durham's Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard of Yorkshire and uncapped Lancashire seamer James Anderson.