Renshaw was expected to be available for selection till the end of June, and then from mid-August to the end of the season, but the finger injury will scupper those plans.

The left-hand batsman has impressed for the county this season, having replaced fellow Australian Cameron Bancroft in the line-up after his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal.

Renshaw has scored 513 runs in six four-day matches, including three centuries, and 180 runs in six One-Day Cup games.

Thanks for everything, @MattRenshaw449! Been a pleasure welcoming you to Somerset and we hope to see you soon! ?#WeAreSOMERSET pic.twitter.com/5J14ymCqk7

— Somerset Cricket ? (@SomersetCCC) June 23, 2018

“Matt sustained a fracture on the top of his finger,” said Jason Kerr, the Somerset coach. “After speaking with Cricket Australia it has been agreed that he will return to Australia sooner rather than later.

“Sadly for us that means it is the end of his time with Somerset this season. It’s a huge blow to us because he has been brilliant both on and off the field. He fitted into the dressing room very well and a player of that calibre is going to be missed.”

Somerset have never won the Championship title, but Renshaw’s form helped them to top of the table prior to their clash against Surrey. The defeat, by an innings and 69 runs, meant Somerset were pushed down to third in the table.

Renshaw has two months to recover before Australia A’s tour of India, where the 22-year-old is set to feature in both one-day and four-day matches.