LANCASHIRE has suffered a blow with the news that fast bowler Jackson Bird has been ruled out of his scheduled LV= Insurance County Championship spell with the Red Rose this summer due to injury.

Bird was due to arrive later this month with a view to playing in six Championship matches, starting at Kent on April 22. However, the Australian international seamer is suffering from a bulging disk in his neck and following a scan has been ordered to rest for the next four weeks.

The county is currently considering its options regarding a second overseas player for the LV= Insurance County Championship.

Director of Cricket, Paul Allott said: “We are disappointed to lose Jackson as he would have been a great addition to our side for six LV= County Championship matches this summer.

“But of course, we understand that his long-term health and fitness must come first, and we all hope to see him back out on a cricket field soon.”