Matthew Kuhnemann and Tristan Stubbs overseas deals torched as Durham look for alternatives

A back injury sees the Australia spinner's stint cut short, while South Africa A duties for Stubbs mean the club are now looking for alternative options for the T20 Blast

Durham are not expecting to see overseas bowler Matthew Kuhnemann again this season, with a scan revealing a back injury, according to chief executive Tim Bostock.  

The Australian, a late replacement for compatriot Todd Murphy, picked up 12 wickets at 22.58 in his first three outings for Durham but pulled up against Glamorgan in round three.

He didn't field in the second innings of that match and underwent a scan earlier this week.  

Matt Parkinson was brought in from Lancashire on a two-week loan as cover for Durham's ongoing clash with Derbyshire.

Kuhnemann played a match-winning role in victory over Worcestershire (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Speaking on commentary during day one of Durham's County Championship clash with Derbyshire, Bostock said: "I don't think we're going to be seeing any more of him this season.  

"Marcus [North] has been busy most of the day. It's more of a stress, back type thing.  

"Murphy had an injury problem as well, that is why the Aussies wanted him to stay at home and rest. He was first choice but Kuhnemann had settled in really nicely. 

"He'll go home. Had he only been out for 10 days we wouldn't have bothered trying to find a one-match replacement because we've got a week off next week, so we've got time.

"But Ryan [Campbell] and Marcus are very intent on having a front-line spinner for the balance of the side, they identified that in the winter. Irrespective of what sort of wickets we were playing on we're going to play a spinner in every single game."

 Director of cricket Marcus North is seeking alternative options (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The club's overseas recruitment for the T20 Blast is also going far from smoothly, with allrounder Tristan Stubbs unavailable following his selection for South Africa A's upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The two sides are scheduled to contest four one-day matches and two four-day matches in June.  

"At the time it didn't even enter our heads that he'd be going on a red-ball tour," Bostock said. "SA Cricket had signed the notice a week ago and then changed their mind.

"It's bad for us but for the overall game – and you want the best young players aspiring to play Test cricket – we've got to be happy."

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• Lancashire's Matt Parkinson loaned to Durham for two-week spell