Lancashire hit by Mitch Perry injury blow on eve of new season

Lancashire have been forced into a search for a last-minute overseas signing after Australian pace bowler Mitch Perry was ruled out because of a back injury.

The 25-year-old, who took a wicket with his first ball after coming on as an injury substitute for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield final at the weekend, had been due to spend the first two months of the season with Lancashire.

However, he will instead remain with Cricket Victoria to begin his rehabilitation programme.

"We are naturally disappointed that Mitch will be unable to join us this season, particularly at such short notice ahead of the campaign. However, we wish him a full and speedy recovery," Lancashire director of cricket performance Mark Chilton told the club website.

"We are currently assessing our options with regard to potential replacement players and their availability."

Lancashire will also be without Australian batter Marcus Harris for the club's opening game of the County Championship season, which begins against Northamptonshire on Friday.

The 33-year-old's arrival has been put back by a week because of his involvement in the Sheffield Shield final with Victoria, which concluded on Monday.

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