Derbyshire's County Championship Group One game against Essex at Derby has been abandoned because of a positive Covid-19 test in the home squad. The decision was taken before the second day's play with Essex set to resume their first innings on 86-3.Other members of the Derbyshire squad have been identified as close contacts and the players are now self-isolating. An England and Wales Cricket Board statement said: "Due to the isolation protocols and impact on Derbyshire's available playing squad the umpires have abandoned the match. "The ECB has 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."
Derbyshire's next scheduled fixture is an away T20 Blast game against Northants Steelbacks on Friday, to be followed by a home match against Yorkshire Vikings on Sunday, 18 July. The club said they will make further announcements about forthcoming games "pending additional guidance". Chief executive Ryan Duckett added: "This isolated incident highlights the fact that sport is not exempt from the pandemic, and I'd like to thank the club's medical and venue staff, as well as Public Health Derby and the ECB for their immediate response in safely handling the matter. On Sunday, Kent had to pick an entirely new team, including four debutants, for their Championship match against Sussex after a positive Covid test forced their first XI into isolation.
