Will Sutherland injury deals major blow to Somerset

The 24-year-old, who was forced to pull out of a spell with Essex last year, was set to be at Somerset through to the end of the T20 Blast group stage

Somerset are on the lookout for a replacement overseas player after being dealt a major blow, with Australian allrounder Will Sutherland ruled out a stint at the county.

The 24-year-old, who was forced to pull out of a spell with Essex last year, was set to be at Somerset through to the end of the T20 Blast group stage.

But he suffered a back injury while playing for Victoria in the final throes of the Sheffield Shield. It was a stress fracture of the back that prevented him from joining up with Essex in 2023.

"Everyone involved really feels for Will as he was relishing the challenge of playing for Somerset this summer, and we wish him a swift recovery," said Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry.

^{Sutherland made his ODI debut for Australia last month (Matt King/Getty Images)}

"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, was set to join compatriot Matt Renshaw at Taunton. Renshaw, the left-hander batter, is set to be available for the club's first seven County Championship fixtures.

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