Hit wicket by Covid-19: No county cricket at least until July 1

The England and Wales Cricket Board said attempts would be made to reschedule International fixtures from July until the end of September, including the West Indies Test tour of England.

The sun is out and the weather could not be more conducive to that most quintessential of English activities – county cricket – but the England and Wales Cricket Board on Friday announced that there will be no professional cricket at least until July 1.

James Anderson hands the ball to team-mate Stuart Broad. (Getty Images,)

Fixtures affected include a series of women’s cricket against India.

The ECB said the season remains subject to ongoing advice on coronavirus from government and health experts, and continued consultation with all broadcast partners to determine the optimum way to fulfill fixtures both domestically and internationally.

International cricket, featuring England men’s and women’s teams, is likely to be scheduled from July until the end of September, with the West Indies Test Series and the whole women’s series against India both moving from their original slots.

ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison said: “Our role as a national governing body during a crisis of this scale requires us to carefully plan alongside cricket’s stakeholders and supporters to attempt to overcome Covid-19’s impact on this season”.

“As much as we remain hopeful that we can deliver some cricket this summer, we are in the midst of a worldwide crisis and our priority – over and above the playing of professional sport – will be to protect the vulnerable, key workers and society as a whole”.

“That’s why simply put, there will be no cricket unless it’s safe to play. Our schedule will only go ahead if Government guidance permits. Our biggest challenge, along with other sports, is how we could seek to implement a bio-secure solution that offers optimum safety and security for all concerned”.

The ECB plans to reschedule international matches as late as possible in the season to give the best chance of play. The suspension of recreational cricket remains until further notice, it added.