Will Sutherland ruled out of Essex stint through injury just days before new season

Australia allrounder Sutherland has suffered a stress fracture in his lower back, ruling him out of a proposed 11-game stint at Chelmsford

Will Sutherland prior to the toss at a 2023 Sheffield Shield encounter [Getty Images]

Essex have been dealt a major blow just days before the start of the County Championship season with the news overseas signing Will Sutherland will no longer be joining the club.

Australia allrounder Sutherland has suffered a stress fracture in his lower back, ruling him out of a proposed 11-game stint at Chelmsford.

The 23-year-old's injury was identified after he played in his Australian state side Victoria's Sheffield Shield final against Western Australia last week.

Australian allrounder Will Sutherland celebrates a Sheffield Shield wicket [Getty Images]

Sutherland felt pain during the game and did not bowl during Western Australia's second innings. 

With the Championship campaign set to begin on April 6, Essex now face a race against time to find his replacement.

Their head coach Anthony McGrath admitted his frustration, saying: "It's really unfortunate that Will has injured himself so close to the 2023 season.

"We were all looking forward to welcoming him to Chelmsford and we're sorry to hear he will face a period of time recovering from his stress fracture.

"Everyone at the club wishes Will a speedy recovery and we hope to see him back on the pitch soon."

Australia allrounder Will Sutherland [Getty Images]

Sutherland was the leading wicket-taker in the 2022/23 Sheffield Shield with 41, and Essex had recruited him to bolster a red-ball seam attack that already boasts two of the most prolific Championship quicks in recent years, in the shape of Jamie Porter and Sam Cook.

Cricket Victoria head of men's cricket David Hussey said: "He has put his name up in lights with some big performances through the summer and we want him to be ready for next season, so we’ll do everything we can to support him with his injury rehabilitation."

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