Play was abandoned after the first session with Gloucestershire 66-6 on the first day. Neither side was in contention for qualifying for the final of the competition, a five-day game set to be held at Lord’s.

A joint statement read as follows: “In the interests of player welfare, it has been agreed between Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire and the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that the Bob Willis Trophy match, currently being played at the Bristol County Ground, has been abandoned.

“Just before lunch of the first session of play, it came to light that a member of the Northamptonshire playing squad has tested positive for Covid-19. Although the player was not part of the group that travelled with the squad to Bristol (and has been self-isolating at home), further members of the Northamptonshire squad have been in contact with the player within 48 hours of the player developing Covid-19 symptoms.

“Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire and the ECB are unified in the belief that player welfare is paramount and that no risks should be taken with the health and safety of the players, officials and administrators involved in this match.

“The match has now been abandoned and the Northamptonshire squad will return home to Northamptonshire today.”

It is not yet known what the implications are for the remainder of the two sides’ T20 Blast campaigns. Both teams have five games left and currently occupy the top two spots in the Central Group. They are currently due to face off again on September 11, at Northampton.

More to follow