Lancashire have been dealt a major blow after Australian all-rounder Chris Green was ruled out of the rest of their campaign.
Green, who is in his third season with the county, fractured a thumb in the T20 Blast defeat against Leicestershire on Friday and is to return home early.
It means he will miss the remainder of the Blast campaign, starting with Friday’s match against Yorkshire, as well as Lancashire’s upcoming County Championship fixtures.
However, Lancashire have confirmed that they have agreed a deal with Green to return next summer.
“I am gutted to be ending my stint at Lancashire earlier than planned this summer due to injury,” the 32-year-old told the club website, external.
“I will be watching on and supporting the boys all the way, starting with a big Roses clash at Headingley tomorrow night.
“I am grateful to the club for their support, and I am delighted that I will be back at Emirates Old Trafford in 2027.”
Green was named Lancashire’s T20 player of the year in both 2024 and 2025.
“I would like to wish Chris a speedy recovery,” said Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s director of cricket performance.
“He has once again been an outstanding addition to the squad during his short time with us this summer and we look forward to welcoming him back to Emirates Old Trafford in 2027.
“We are currently considering our options regarding a replacement overseas player for the remainder of the Vitality Blast campaign and the upcoming Rothesay County Championship fixtures.”
Lancashire will have Luke Wood available for the first time against Yorkshire after his return from the Indian Premier League, as well as the ECB-contracted Saqib Mahmood, who will return to the England Lions squad afterwards.
Lancashire are still without Phil Salt, who damaged a finger during the IPL, while Jos Buttler is resting after playing in Sunday’s final for Gujarat Titans, so Australian Marcus Harris, who signed with Lancashire to play County Championship cricket, could make his Blast debut at Headingley.