Middlesex captain Peter Handscomb has called the delay to the English domestic season a “shame,” saying Australians benefit significantly 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; however, COVID-19 has delayed the start of the season.
Handscomb was among several Australians due to play in England over the summer, in addition to Nathan Lyon at Hampshire. At the same time, Michael Neser’s Surrey deal was canceled following the problems caused by the pandemic.
Speaking at an online interview, he said: “It’s an embarrassment not to be able to go over there and play.”
“Australians love going over there, to England, to play county cricket since it’s a way of developing our game and making ourselves better and understanding different conditions.”
“That’s a shame, but there’s a bigger picture at play here, the health and safety of the world are much more important.”
He added his deal with Middlesex was “on hold,” and had been talking to his county teammates each week.
“I’ve obviously got next year as well, but this year we’re just playing it by ear,” he said.
