Durham call off National Counties match against Lincolnshire

Several counties have now cancelled their pre-tournament games with the National County sides. Last week, Kent called off their match against Norfolk

Durham’s fixture against Lincolnshire has been postponed, adding to a lengthy list of National Counties matches called off ahead of the Royal London Cup.

The game, which was due to take place on Tuesday at Grantham Cricket Club, has been called off due to issues regarding Covid-19.

Durham begin their Royal London Cup campaign on Thursday against Kent at Beckenham.

Several counties have now cancelled their pre-tournament games with the National County sides. Last week, Kent called off their match against Norfolk.

“The safety of our players, staff, members and spectators remains the club’s top priority; with recent statements from the club outlining our swift and decisive actions to ensure the safety of all,” said Kent chief executive Simon Storey.

Kent made the decision following a chaotic few days; after an unnamed member of the side that beat Surrey in the T20 Blast tested positive for Covid-19, every other player in the matchday squad at the Kia Oval was deemed a close contact and has been forced to self-isolate.

Essex’s County Championship clash with Derbyshire was abandoned last Monday after a Derbyshire player tested positive following the first day’s play, while England were forced to field a second string in their ODI series win over Pakistan after a Covid outbreak at the end of the hosts’ preceding series against Sri Lanka.