The English Cricket Board has announced an extended postponement of its summer season of cricket, which was due to get under way in May.

The decision comes after an original announcement last month that the start of what is usually a very exciting season will be delayed until 28 May.

But, given the continued threat of the Covid-19 pandemic and health restrictions put in place by the British government, no cricket will be played until at least 1 July.

As a result, England’s Test series agains the West Indies, which was due to start on 5 June, will be rescheduled for as far as September.

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The organisation’s domestic T20 Blast will also be postponed, while the state of the inaugural edition of the much-anticipated Hundred will be discussed at a board meeting next week.

ECB CEO Tom Harrison said in a statement that the governing body’s primary role is to carefully plan in order to find the best possible solution so that cricket can commence without any risk from the coronavirus.

‘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,’ Harrison said.

‘Our plan is to reschedule international matches as late as possible in the season to give the best chance of play. The Vitality Blast will also now occupy the latest possible season slot to offer as much time as possible to play a county short-form competition.’

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