Victorian all-rounder Will Sutherland will be sidelined for an extended period after suffering a back stress fracture.
Sutherland initially felt soreness during Victoria's Sheffield Shield final defeat to Western Australia last week and would sit out the final innings of the match.
Cricket Victoria has since confirmed the full extent of Sutherland's ailment, which will sideline the 23-year-old for his upcoming duties with English County Championship side Essex.
“It's disappointing for Will after a fantastic season,” Cricket Victoria boss David Hussey said in a statement.
"He had signed with Essex to go over and play in the County Championship – but this news will keep him at home and working on his rest and rehabilitation program for the next few months.
“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.”
Sutherland had pieced together a sensational summer with Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades to further strengthen his chances of a potential international call-up.
The Victorian claimed 41 wickets in the Sheffield Shield to lead the competition for the metric, averaging 19.92 with the ball.
The right-handed batsman and medium-fast bowler has developed into one of Australia's most promising all-format figures and was seen as a chance to be named in Australia's Ashes squad should he have impressed with Essex.
