Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale is to cut short his stay in Australia because of a hip injury.

The left-handed batsman will return to England this week to undergo treatment from the county's new physio Kunwar Bansil, although the injury is not expected to affect his chances of starting the new county season in April.

Gale has missed the last two weekends of Melbourne grade cricket with Dandenong.

He is expected to fully fit for the club's pre-season tour of Sri Lanka, which starts on March 12.

"We have been in constant contact with Andrew during his stay in Australia," explained Bansil.

"He has been complaining of a slight niggle in the hip region, and we felt that it would be best for him to return to the UK so we can assess and treat it. His priority is with Yorkshire, and we have to ensure that he is fully fit ahead of the new season.

"He will spend time with me next week. I hope to have him working on his game in the indoor nets the following week."

Gale scored his only century in his time Down Under in his final match for Dandenong last month, where he played alongside the likes of Australia international pace bowler James Pattinson and his brother Darren, who played one Test for England.

"My family and I have had a wonderful time in Melbourne over the past few months," said Gale.

"I would like to thank the Dandenong club, who have made us welcome throughout our stay. We have enjoyed the lifestyle and the opportunity I have been given to play in a very strong competition.

"My sole focus is to return to Headingley and get myself fit for an important season."

It is not the first time Gale has suffered from hip problems, with him missing matches in the summer of 2012 because of it.