He can return to all activities from January 8 – exactly six months after sustaining a serious head injury when hit by a Sam Hain drive in a T20 Blast game against Birmingham Bears.

Fletcher, nicknamed the Bulwell Bomber, is already back bowling at stumps in the nets but will be able to take part in complete sessions, including batting, in 2018.

The 29-year-old, currently taking a level 3 coaching qualification, will also return to driving, having ridden to the ground on his bike for much of the autumn.

“It’s very pleasing to finally get the nod to start full training again,” said Fletcher. “I’ve felt pretty good throughout once things settled down, but it’s nice to get the official word that everything is OK.”

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Club physio James Pipe, who helped Fletcher from the field and took him to hospital after the incident, said: “How Fletch has reacted to the situation is a real testament to his professionalism and a mark of the man.

“He’s shown his physical as well as mental strength to come through this as he has done in what has been a difficult journey.

“Throughout it all, he has been upbeat and stayed very positive,
coming in with a smile on his face. He’s been the perfect patient.”