Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle has been ruled out of Essex’s domestic Twenty20 campaign because of injury, the English county confirmed on Thursday.

Siddle had been due to join Essex, based in Chelmsford, east of London, for the group stages in June and July.

But Siddle returned home early from Australia’s tour of the West Indies with a back problem and has been ordered to rest for a month before beginning a program of rehabilitation.

Essex coach Paul Grayson said: “We are very disappointed Peter can’t make it to Essex following his injury.

“We understand that when we sign any overseas player that there is a risk of an injury or international duty so we now have to look at other options with a plan B for another overseas bowler.”