Handscomb laments delayed county season
Middlesex captain Peter Handscomb has called the delay to the English domestic season a “shame”, saying Australians benefit greatly from playing county cricket.
The 28-year-old batsman was due to lead the Division Two side during the English summer after signing a two-year deal, but Covid-19 has delayed the start of the season.
Handscomb was one of a number of Australians due to play in England over the summer, along with Nathan Lyon at Hampshire, while Michael Neser’s Surrey deal was cancelled following the difficulties caused by the pandemic.
Speaking at an online press conference, he said: “It’s a shame to not be able to go over there and play.
“Australians love going over there, to England, to play county cricket because it’s a way of developing our game and making ourselves better and understanding different conditions as well.
“That’s a shame, but there’s obviously a bigger picture at play here, the health and safety of the world is much more important.”
He added his deal with Middlesex was “on hold”, and had been talking to his county team-mates each week.
“I’ve obviously got next year as well, but this year we’re just playing it by ear,” he said.
Latest
-
NewsAustralia go on the defensive over Steve Smith scuffing saga
Australia have closed ranks around Steve Smith, who is upset over being painted as a villain following the drawn third Test against India.
-
NewsOn This Day in 1996: Dickie Bird announces retirement from umpiring
Bird umpired in 66 Tests and 69 one-day internationals.
-
NewsDan Lawrence adamant he will stick to ‘unique’ batting technique in Test arena
The 23-year-old should make his Test debut when England start their two-match series against Sri Lanka.
-
NewsSteve Smith criticised for appearing to scuff Rishabh Pant’s guard in third Test
Former Australia captain Steve Smith was branded “childish” after an incident during the final day of their drawn third Test against India
-
NewsTim Paine admits he let the Australian bowlers down
Australia captain Tim Paine believes he was at least partially to blame for his side failing to bowl India.
-
NewsTesting times on tour in Sri Lanka – the life of an international cricketer
Gloucestershire’s James Bracey is on his first overseas tour with England. Here he writes about his experiences so far in Sri Lanka.
-
NewsIndia salvage unlikely draw in third Test against Australia
India salvaged an unlikely draw as the third Test against Australia reached a thrilling finale.
-
NewsChris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
-
NewsRavichandran Ashwin condemns alleged racial abuse of Mohammed Siraj by SCG fans
Play was halted on day four of the third Test between Australia and India while six spectators were escorted out of Sydney Cricket Ground by police.
-
NewsInvestigation launched after Indian players allegedly abused by crowd in Sydney
Play was held up while police and security guards escorted six people from Sydney Cricket Ground.