Hussey will miss five Championship matches (Getty Images)

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell says the club are resigned to losing star batsmen David Hussey for the first six weeks of the season.

Hussey has signed up to the lucrative Indian Premier League but Notts had said they wanted the Australian to honour his county contract.

Newell told BBC Radio Nottingham a deal had been struck and the club were now looking for a short-term replacement.

"I have calmed down a bit and he will join when he's available," Newell said.

"We're searching for a replacement and that should happen by the weekend.

Hussey will miss five County Championship games, and eight matches in the Friends Provident Trophy.

Having spoken to him and gathered that he wants to continue playing for Notts then I did calm down a little bit Mick Newell

"What I had to do was decide whether we wanted to continue to work with David in the future.

"Having spoken to him and gathered that he wants to continue playing for Notts then I did calm down a little bit and we've come to an arrangement."

And Newell said the new player would soften the blow of losing Hussey: "The replacement is a top quality batsmen who we want to come in and cover the periods when David is not available.

"It's a player whose played for his country. He bowls a little bit as well and we're hopeful he will have a big impact for us.

"It's difficult with me being away to get the contracts finally signed and sealed but that should happen by the weekend."