Middlesex and Kent cancel pre-season friendly due to COVID-19 pandemic

Kent have also cancelled a two-day warmup match against Hampshire that was scheduled for April 7-8

Middlesex’s pre-season friendly against Kent has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The two-day game was due to take place at Merchant Taylors’ School in Northwood, beginning on March 26. That match will not be rearranged.

Middlesex are due to face Cambridge MCCU in a three-day fixture at the same venue from April 2, before taking on Surrey at The Oval in a final warmup game on April 7.

Kent have also cancelled a two-day warmup match against Hampshire that was scheduled for April 7-8.

In a statement, Middlesex declared: “In such a fast-moving environment, the club will likely need to make further risk-based decisions that could have an impact on many members and supporters of Middlesex Crickets in the coming weeks and even months.

“These are extremely testing times for us all and we would like to thank everyone for their understanding. You have our absolute assurance that the club are remaining utterly vigilant at all times, are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and that all decisions made will be based on the health, safety and wellbeing of all associated with the club.”

How county pre-season plans have been affected by COVID-19

Kent chief executive Simon Storey added: “This is new territory for all of us and we will continue to be steered by ECB and government advice.

“We are working closely with other counties to share best practise and learnings and we are also carefully modelling the financial implications to ensure that the club can steer a pathway through these challenging times. It is important that we take a balanced approach.”