Nick Gubbins withdrawn from Middlesex game in order to self-isolate

Middlesex batsman Nick Gubbins was withdrawn from the squad to face Kent in the Bob Willis Trophy after potentially coming into contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19.

The move was described as "precautionary", with the club tweeting the news after a delayed start at Canterbury on Saturday. "On the advice of the team doctor, he will self-isolate and monitor for any symptoms over the next few days," the statement added.

County cricket resumed as the start of August after a delay of several months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike the bio-secure international matches arranged by the ECB, county players have not been asked to spend their time in a "bubble", instead adhering to a range of protocols to minimise the risks of transmission.

These include travelling to games on their own, submitting to regular temperature checks and health questionnaires, and signing up to a code of behaviour both at venues and when off duty.

Gubbins scored 192 and 60 in Middlesex's opening Bob Willis Trophy win over Surrey. His absence meant captain Stephen Eskinazi moving up to No. 3 for the Kent game, with Middlesex making four changes to the team beaten by Hampshire last week.