Picture Credit: Twitter/@DerbyshireCCC
The coronavirus pandemic has taken its toll over cricket in England in last few days. After few members of Eoin Morgan's side tested positive for the virus, it was recently reported that Middlesex skipper Peter Handscomb also got infected by the deadly virus ahead of their game against Leicestershire. Thing seem to be going haywire in the ongoing County Championship after another unnamed player tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.
Derbyshire and Essex locked horns at County Ground in Derby where they played an exciting day of red-ball cricket on Sunday. Derbyshire were bowled out on 146 while Essex ended the day on 86/3. However, the second day of action did not begin on time which led to a lot of speculations.
Another coronavirus case in County Championship
It was later revealed by ECB that a Derbyshire player (who is in the playing squad) has tested positive for COVID-19. Since all his teammates were deemed to be in close contact, the contest between Derbyshire and Essex has been abandoned by the umpires (James Middlebrook and Neil Mallender) and match referee (Peter Such) as per the isolation protocols.
"The LV= Insurance County Championship match between Derbyshire and Essex at Derby has been abandoned ahead of the second day’s play. The decision was made after it was confirmed this morning that an unnamed member of the Derbyshire playing squad tested positive for Covid-19 and has begun to self isolate," ECB confirmed in an official statement.
Check out Club's official statement here:
ECB also stated that they have worked closely with Public Heath England and both Derbyshire and Essex County Cricket Clubs with the health and safety of players, staff and officials the first priority. They also added that the confirmation on the awarding of points from the match will be announced in due course.