Australia ODI paceman John Hastings will return home after suffering a foot injury playing in English county cricket.

The Victorian reported soreness in his foot during Worcestershire's four-day match against Sussex this week and, having been sent for scans, the county has confirmed the 31-year-old will now return to Australia for further assessment and rehabilitation.

"We sent him for an MRI scan which shows some inflammation through the foot and some stress through a certain bone in his foot," Worcestershire Head of Medicine and Science Ben Davies said in a statement.

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"Cricket Australia want him to return back to Australia to do some rehab and potentially get him fit as quick as they can."

Hastings has been in the UK since the start of the county season in April and was also part of Australia's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in June.

His time in Worcester came after he missed the back half of last Australian summer due to a serious knee injury that he feared could have ended his international career.

Dec 2016: Hobbled Hastings forced from the field

The predicted length of his stint on the sidelines is unlikely to be confirmed until he returns home.

Australia's next limited-overs assignment is their one-day and T20 tour of India in September and October.

"Cricket Australia have got international cricket coming up (and) they want John back in their care and will be hoping to get him fit and available for selection," said Worcestershire Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes.

Hastings played a starring role in Australia's ODI series against Sri Lanka last year // Getty

"John is a big larger than life character, both in physique but also in stature and respect from the other guys. He gives off confidence to other players and is a very experienced cricketer so all those attributes fulfil his senior role in the dressing room.

"He is back next year and very much looking forward to that."

Hastings had played in six of Worcestershire's 10 first-class matches this summer while he was also used as an opening batsman in the T20 competition.