NEW ZEALAND fast bowler Adam Milne will not be joining Essex for the second half of the Natwest T20 Blast tournament.

Milne, 24, had been due to join the Eagles for the final seven games of the campaign, replacing Pakistan international Wahab Riaz.

But the New Zealander now requires surgery on an elbow injury he sustained recently.

Essex coaching staff are trying to arrange a replacement for Milne as the club's second overseas player for the remainder of the tournament.

The Eagles have started this season's T20 campaign poorly, losing four of their opening five matches, including a heavy defeat to Gloucestershire last night.

Head coach Chris Silverwood said: "It is disappointing for ourselves and Adam as we were excited by his arrival. Unfortunately he requires surgery on an elbow injury he picked up previously.

"Although it is unfortunate he can't join us we have a list of replacements that we are working hard to bring in. Hopefully we can treat the fans to an exciting arrival in the coming weeks."