Essex have been rocked by the news that Peter Siddle will not be able to appear in the domestic Twenty20 competition this summer.
The Australian seamer was due to arrive at Essex in June as one of their overseas players but a back injury has disrupted his plans.
Essex's head coach Paul Grayson said: "We are very disappointed Peter can't make it to Essex following his injury.
"We understand that when we sign any overseas player that there is a risk of an injury or international duty so we now have to look at other options with a plan b for another overseas bowler."
New Zealand international James Franklin secured a deal at Essex last week.
