LONDON: Somerset’s Jack Brooks became English county cricket’s first Covid-19 substitute when he replaced Lewis Gregory on the third day of their Championship match against Middlesex at Taunton on Saturday.

Gregory’s girlfriend, a member of his household bubble, felt unwell and although she has returned a negative lateral flow test, the England white-ball all-rounder will now isolate until a second negative result, from a PCR test, is returned.

Under the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s Covid replacement regulations, substitutions can be made if a player tests positive for the coronavirus, shows symptoms of the disease or requires removal from the game for any other reason related to public health guidance.

The rules state a like-for-like replacement should be made where possible and, although Brooks is best known as a seamer, he was cleared to take part by match referee Wayne Noon.

Once replaced, a player cannot return to the match in question, even if he submits a negative Covid test.

Gregory was one of several English players involved in the Pakistan Super League when it was suspended in March after a coronavirus outbreak within the tournament bubble.

“Somerset County Cricket Club can confirm that Jack Brooks has been made available as a Covid-19 substitute for the remainder of the current County Championship match against Middlesex at the County Ground,” said a club statement.

At close of play, Somerset required a further 103 runs to beat Middlesex with six wickets in hand.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2021