Billy Stanlake ruled out of Derbyshire stint with stress fracture

Following the county's defeat last week against Essex, the Australian seamer underwent a scan which displayed the back injury

Billy Stanlake has been forced to cut short his time as an overseas player at Derbyshire after suffering a season-ending back injury.

Following Derbyshire’s defeat last week against Essex, the Australian seamer underwent a scan which displayed a stress fracture.

He will return home to Australia to begin a period of rehabilitation with Queensland’s medical staff.

Derbyshire head of cricket Dave Houghton said: “We’re hugely disappointed that we won’t get to see more of Billy this year. He’s been a model professional during his time with us and we wish him all the best in his recovery.

“Our search for a replacement has already begun and we are hopeful of bringing in another bowler in the not-too-distant future who can contribute in all formats this summer.”

Stanlake was set to feature in the T20 Blast, lining up alongside compatriot Ben McDermott, who will play all white-ball cricket for the club.