Billy Stanlake's Derbyshire debut delayed as Championship not considered "elite sport"
The tall and lanky fast bowler from Australia, Billy Stanlake has been prevented from making his County debut for Derbyshire as the Championship is not considered 'elite sport'.
Billy had arrived in England on Sunday and was gearing up to play in the Championship match against Nottinghamshire starting on Thursday. However, he couldn't take part in the match because the County Championship doesn't hold any status of an elite sport according to the UK government.
Stanlake would have played in the T20 Blast or the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy because these tournaments have government exemptions on the grounds of being deemed elite sport.
Therefore, the Aussie paceman will have to serve a certain period in quarantine before he's allowed to make his County debut for Derbyshire.
"We originally thought he would be available for the Nottinghamshire game because he's come from a secure bubble. However, first-class county cricket is not classed as an elite sport," Derbyshire's head of cricket, Dave Houghton said.
Stanlake has been made to spend at least five days in quarantine and he's expected to take part in the game against Essex on May 13.
"If he was playing Twenty20 tomorrow he would be eligible, but because it's four-day cricket he has to quarantine for five days, which will go beyond the start of Thursday's game. We'll have him ready to play in the away game against Essex [starting on May 13]," Dave added.
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