Cancellation of pre-season tour over coronavirus threat a sensible measure admits Lancashire coach Glen Chapple: "You could have two lads with a sniffle"

The squad were due to prepare for the new season in the United Arab Emirates and South Africa but have acted on advice and will now remain at home

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Lancashire coach Glen Chapple accepts the club have made an intelligent decision not to travel to the United Arab Emirates and South Africa for the conclusion of their pre-season preparations.

The Old Trafford club were due in Dubai and Potchefstroom between March 17 and April 1 but have shelved the plans after taking advice from the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Professional Cricketers' Association.

Each country only has a handful of active cases but Lancs decided not to take any risks ahead of the new campaign, which gets underway on April 12 against Kent.

Chapple's side, who spent part of last month in Mumbai, will now remain at home for the remainder of the off-season.

"I understand why we’re not going because if you end up with 25 in quarantine abroad and then have to do the same when you get back, you won’t be ready for the season," he said.

"You could have two lads with a sniffle and all of a sudden you’re shut down for four weeks. That’s why we decided a pre-season tour was best avoided.   

"And I think it’s something all counties will have to take on board. 

"South Africa is not one of the most affected areas but the nature of the challenges for teams travelling together and staying in hotels have led us to take the decision to stay at home and give everyone the best chance to stay fit and ready to play."

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