"I know what some people's reaction will be to the news that I am out for the summer," fast bowler Caddick wrote in Wednesday's Daily Express. "At 34 they will presume I am finished as a Test cricketer.

"Well I'm not. I still believe I am the best bowler in this country and I intend to prove it in an England sweater again," the New Zealand-born quick added.

Somerset paceman Caddick, who announced his retirement from one-day international cricket after England's first round exit at the World Cup with the aim of prolonging his Test career, has a prolapsed disc in his back.

On Tuesday he was ruled out of England's forthcoming five Test home series against South Africa.

He explained that his back problem had been aggravated by the stress fracture he'd suffered in his right foot.

"I now have a prolapsed disc in my back which the medics think may have been caused by walking around with a cast on my right foot.

"While that has helped sort out my stress fracture, the imbalance caused by walking around with one one leg an inch higher than the other has not helped my back."

Caddick added that he had faced a career-threatening injury before when shin splints forced him out for a season. "But I came out the other side and fully intend to do the same again this time.

"Somerset and England have not seen the last of Andy Caddick yet."

Caddick also said that he was encouraged by the example of his England new-ball partner Darren Gough, who has returned from several knee operations to become an ever present in the six one-day internationals played by England so far this season.

Yorkshire fast bowler Gough, 32, said of Caddick: "He's been a great partner for me with the ball and I've been a great partner for him.

"I hope he gets back," Gough also told the Express. "I've always admired the way he has bowled throughout his career. He has tremendous talent."

Caddick has played 62 Tests for England, taking 234 wickets at 29.91.

But this season he has only played one county championship match and a single limited-overs game for Somerset because of injury.