Northamptonshire’s injury problems show no signs of stopping with New Zealand seamer Ian Butler returning home and Stephen Peters sidelined until the end of the month.
Butler was expected to stay at Wantage Road until the end of July, but managed to feature in only four NatWest T20 Blast fixtures and two LV= County Championship Division One matches.
Head coach David Ripley told the club’s official website: “We signed Ian at short notice, after a third overseas player withdrew, mainly for the NatWest T20 Blast but also hoped he would be able to manage playing in some LV= County Championship games as well.
We would like to wish @isthatyoubaxter a speedy recovery and good luck for the future
— Northants Cricket (@NorthantsCCC) July 11, 2014
“It’s sad to say, that Ian picked up an injury and won’t take any further part this season. Ian was a positive influence in the dressing room but unfortunately couldn’t contribute as fully as both of us would have wanted on the field.”
Butler will be replaced by compatriot Neil Wagner, who is likely to make his debut in the championship clash with Nottinghamshire in August.
A grade-one tear of the calf sees Peters join Rob Keogh and David Sales on the sidelines.
The club captain failed a fitness test ahead of the four-day encounter with Somerset, which starts tomorrow, and is not expected to be back in the frame until the end of July.