Billy Stanlake's Derbyshire spell cut short by back stress fracture

Billy Stanlake's spell in county cricket with Derbyshire has been cut short after one game, with the Australia seamer diagnosed with a back stress fracture.

Stanlake made his Derbyshire debut in last week's defeat to Essex at Chelmsford, recovering from a nervy start in which he delivered six front-foot no-balls in four overs to take 2 for 91, including the wicket of former England opener Alastair Cook. However, scans after the game revealed a problem, and Stanlake will now return to Australia to begin rehabilitation with his state, Queensland.

The match against Essex was only the ninth first-class appearance of Stanlake's career, with the 26-year-old hoping to work on his long-format bowling while at Derbyshire. The 6ft 7in quick was also expected to play at key role in the club's T20 Blast campaign.

His debut had already been delayed by the quarantine rules in England, which had required Stanlake to spend time in isolation rather than play a Championship game against Nottinghamshire, as Derbyshire had hoped.

"We're hugely disappointed that we won't get to see more of Billy this year," Derbyshire's head of cricket, Dave Houghton, said. "He's been a model professional during his time with us and we wish him all the best in his recovery.

"Our search for a replacement has already begun and we are hopeful of bringing in another bowler in the not-too-distant future who can contribute in all formats this summer."

Stanlake, who last played for Australia in 2019, had been due for a Blast stint with Derbyshire two years ago before being ruled out by injury. He played a full part in the 2020-21 Big Bash with Melbourne Stars, before taking career-best List A figures in the Marsh Cup in February.