Will Sutherland ruled out of county stint with Somerset 

Somerset have suffered a massive blow three weeks prior to the start of the County Championship with alleged reports suggesting injury to Australia all rounder Will Sutherland. 

Sutherland, 24, picked a back issue while leading Victoria during the ultimate round of Sheffield Shield fixtures and will not be connecting with Somerset on medical consultancy. He had been expected to play the initial block of Championship matches in April and May, followed by the Vitality Blast group stage. 

“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," 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."

Last month Sutherland made his ODI debut for Australia signed to play for Essex last summer before being ruled out due to a back stress fracture. 

Somerset will have Matt Renshaw for the start of the season, after he signed for his third spell in Taunton. The southpaw will be available for the first few matches of the Championshp, which starts on April 5.