England all-rounder Danielle Gibson has been ruled out of the start of the women’s domestic season with a stress fracture in her back.

The 23-year-old felt discomfort during preparations for England A’s forthcoming multi-format series against Australia A in Sydney.

A scan has revealed the extent of the injury and Gibson will now fly back to the UK to begin her recovery.

Gibson joined Somerset before the of relaunch of women’s county cricket but will be absent when it starts in April following the setback.

She has played 22 T20 internationals for England’s senior side and was an unused member of their squad for the Ashes earlier this year.

Essex’s Eva Gray has been named as Gibson’s replacement in the England A squad for the four-day match against Australia A at the end of the tour.