Surrey need to find a new overseas player as Australia batsman Mitch Marsh has been ruled out for the start of the season due to ankle surgery.

The 26-year-old was set to link up with Surrey before the new County Championship season but will instead have surgery next week.

Marsh said in a statement on Surrey’s official website: “I’m extremely disappointed to be missing the start of the season. I was looking forward to heading over and joining the Surrey family.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to get myself fully fit and hopefully join the side later in the season.”

Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart added: “This is a big blow for both Surrey and Mitch so close to the start of the English season but we wish Mitch all the best in his recovery.”

The injury looks set to rule Marsh out of the One Day International Series in England in June.