AUSTRALIAN fast bowler Shaun Tait will not be playing Friends Life t20 cricket at the Kia Oval this summer.

Tait had agreed to star in the competition for Surrey but has pulled out after damaging his elbow in the Indian Premier League.

Tait personally contacted Surrey with concerns about his abilities to withstand the rigours of a 16 game programme after suffering further complications during his stint with the Rajasthan Royals. Surrey therefore decided to cancel the contract offer that was made to Tait and investigate further options to fill the second overseas player position in this year's competition.

Manager Chris Adams said: "On behalf of Surrey CCC I would like to thank Shaun Tait for the integrity he has shown in personally contacting us about his current situation.

"A player having concerns about his ability to physically withstand a competition is never a good starting point, particularly with an overseas.

"We will now take the chance to assess our other options for filling this role and we are confident we will have a replacement on board before we start the competition on Thursday June 2."