Cricket season suspension is a big frustration for Northants skipper Rossington

The start of the season has been delayed until July 1 at the earliest due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with the County Championship campaign already decimated by the first nine rounds being called off.

There is still hope that some cricket will be played, although it is looking increasingly likely for that to happen then matches will have to be played behind closed doors.

The County players are currently on furlough as they wait for the go-ahead to get back to work.

It was due to be a big season for Rossington and his team following their promotion last summer.

And the skipper said: “It is all a huge frustration, especially with the weather being as it has been - no doubt when we do get round to playing it will be raining every day.

“But there is not a lot we can do about it, and there are far more important things to worry about right now than playing cricket.

“We were really looking forward to having a crack at division one, but sadly it doesn’t look like that is now going to happen, so we have to just wait and see, listen to the Government advice and take it from there.”

The Government this week stated that they are giving the go-ahead for some top level sports to resume behind closed doors, but Rossington admits even doing that could be a serious issue for cricket.

“We don’t know what is going to happen, and there are so many things to consider, especially with cricket,” said the 27-year-old.

“There is the fact that everybody touches the ball, and everybody uses saliva to shine the ball.

“Even if you only have one person shining the ball, everybody else still touches the ball, and then there is the social distancing and what you do with the slips? As a wicket-keeper as well, what happens with a keeper standing up to the wicket? It is all very difficult.”