Jack Brooks makes history as the first coveted replacement in county cricket

 

 

 

Jack Brooks has become the first coveted substitute for county cricket to replace Lewis Gregory, three days before Somerset's LV = Insurance County Championship fixtures against Middlesex.

 

A member of Gregory's 'Private Bubbles' - considered by Telegraph Sport to be based in London - reported ill health on Saturday morning and. although he had been told by government guidelines that Gregory needed to be isolated, ۔ Unless otherwise noted.

 

Under Rule 7.10 of the ECB's Code Replacement Regulations. The England all-rounder - who bowled 26 overs and took two wickets in the first innings of the Middlesex but had not yet batted - competed at Cooper Associates County Ground. I will not participate anymore, i.e. He will play the last two days of the match regardless of whether his teammate returns a negative test.

 

The loss to Gregory, who had an unbeaten 62 in the final afternoon of the Lord's win last month. is a major blow to Somerset's hopes of completing a double season against Middlesex.

 

After Tom Abell's bat, Middlesex reached 357 in his first innings, with Rabbi White being the top scorer with 92 runs - his third consecutive half-century. By 12.30pm, Somerset had reached 256-8 in their response, with only George Bartlett (55) passing fifty. Jack Leach (15) and Craig Overton (34) remained unbeaten.

 

Somerset's overseas star Merchant de Lounge was not selected for the game and it is not known if he was considered a substitute. The rules require that. in exceptional circumstances, a "Like" player (or as close as possible) be named to save. And this could mean the extra speed of the former South African star. He was not fit.

 

Brooks is making his first summer offer since recovering from surgery on both Achilles tendons. As well as a thumb injury during the off-season, reaching the Bob Wallace Trophy final.

 

Somerset issued the following statement: “Somerset County Cricket Club can confirm that Jack Brooks will be substituted for Code 19 for the remainder of the current LV = Insurance County Championship match against Middlesex at Cooper Associates County Ground. Has been made available as

 

"A member of Lewis Gregory's private bubble was feeling sick this morning and he had his background flow checked. The test turned out to be negative, but the protocol ordered that until further test results are received. Lewis will live in isolation as directed by the government.

 

"There will be no further comment at this time."