Australia all-rounder's back injury in Sheffield Shield final round
Somerset has been struck a blow three weeks before the start of the County Championship, as Australia allrounder Will Sutherland has been ruled out of a term with the club due to injury.
Sutherland, 24, suffered a back problem while captaining Victoria in the final round of Sheffield Shield games and will not be joining Somerset on medical advice. He had been slated to play the first set of Championship games in April and May, followed by the Vitality Blast group stage.
"Everyone involved feels for Will, who was looking forward to the challenge of playing for Somerset this summer, and we wish him a speedy recovery," Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said. "Obviously, it's a blow to lose a quality player this close to the start of the season, and our focus now is to secure a suitable replacement."
Sutherland, who made his ODI debut for Australia last month, signed with Essex last summer but was sidelined by a back stress fracture.
Matt Renshaw will join Somerset for the start of the season, having signed for his third term in Taunton. The Australian opening will be accessible for the first seven Championship games, which begin on April 5.
