Peter Siddle has been forced to pull the plug on joining Nottinghamshire for the second successive year because of a persistent back injury.
The Australian seamer signed a two-year deal with the county to be their overseas player ahead of the 2016 season but a stress fracture in his back ruled him out of the entire campaign.
And Siddle, who took 37 wickets at an average of 31.48 during his last spell with Nottinghamshire in 2014, will not feature this year either as he continues rehabilitation on the problem area.
Nottinghamshire have confirmed they will be seeking a replacement for the 32-year-old, whose countryman James Pattinson is being touted to fill the void.
Director of cricket Mick Newell said on the club's official website: "I feel for Peter in particular because he's had absolutely no luck in recent years when it comes to injuries.
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"We certainly didn't imagine, when we signed him on a two-year contract for 2016 and 2017, that he wouldn't play a single game for us during that time.
"It's disappointing because his competitive character and proven ability would have been a real asset for us.
"We never stop monitoring the situation overseas. We're always looking at who is available and who has the kind of quality we need, so we're confident of quickly securing a replacement."
Siddle, who has taken 211 wickets in 62 Tests, added: "I don't think I've played this little cricket in an 18-month window since I was an 11-year-old kid and was just starting out.
"That's the most frustrating thing, not playing the game that you love and your profession. But mentally I'm pretty good."
