Australia batsman Matthew Wade will not play for Somerset this summer due to a knee injury.

Somerset announced the signing of Wade last December, and the 32-year-old was set to be available for the club’s opening seven County Championship matches.

Following the conclusion of Australia’s ODI series with New Zealand, however, Cricket Australia has said that Wade requires a sustained period of rest.

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“Obviously this is disappointing news for Matthew, but injuries are part and parcel of the game,” said Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry. “I know that our members and supporters were looking forward to seeing a player of his calibre lining up for us this summer and we share in their disappointment.

“We wish Matthew a quick recovery and we appreciate the correspondence and updates from Cricket Australia.”

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“It’s a big blow,” said Wade. “I was looking forward to the challenge of playing county cricket in England this summer, but after discussions with the Cricket Australia medical team regrettably, it became clear that I wouldn’t be in a position to join Somerset.”