Kent Cricket have confirmed that Australia seamer Jackson Bird has been ruled out of the remainder of his playing stint with the Club.

The right-armer left the field with a shoulder injury during Kent’s LV= Insurance County Championship with Hampshire, and after seeing a specialist, has been advised to return home to Australia to begin rehabilitation.

Kent’s Director of Cricket, Paul Downton, said: “We all wish Jackson a swift recovery and he leaves with our best wishes.

“We hope to see him fit and playing again at the start of the Australian season.”

The loss of Bird will be a huge blow to a Kent side that is already struggling with bowling options.

An overseas replacement would be welcomed by many Kent fans, but finding one with the IPL currently taking place could be wishful thinking.