RISING Victorian star Will Sutherland has been ruled out of playing until January at the earliest after scans uncovered an incomplete stress fracture in his back.

Sutherland, 18, played in the Vics opening three domestic one-day games over the past 10 days, taking up a new role opening the bowling attack.

He reported soreness following last Sunday’s win over NSW, in which he took his eighth wicket for the series.

Despite treatment and phsyio work he still felt sore, and the scans revealed the damage to his back, forcing his withdrawal from the rest of the JLT Cup.

He’s now likely to take an extended rest — as much a precautionary measure as for rehabilitation, given the long history of Australian fast bowlers breaking down with the back issue.

“Will complained of soreness in the left side of his back during the NSW match at North Sydney Oval,” Victorian team physiotherapist Nick Adcock said.

“Scans have subsequently revealed a mild stress fracture in the left side of his back, that is incomplete.

“As a result, he will miss the remainder of the one-day tournament, and will commence a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

“His return to play timeframe will be determined at his next assessment, but it is likely he will be batting first before bowling.”

Sutherland, the son of outgoing Cricket Australia boss James, took five wickets in the opening one-day match of the summer.

He was promoted to a full Victorian contract for the summer after choosing cricket over AFL football, in which he could have been a top 10 draft pick.