Blackpool Cricket Club captain Paul Danson fearful for future of league clubs

Lancashire's next visit to Stanley Park won't take place on July 29 as scheduled

Steven Croft goes in to bat for club cricket

And while Danson believes a club of Blackpool’s stature will be able to withstand the loss of income this year, he is concerned others may be so fortunate.

The longstanding Stanley Park skipper told The Gazette: “I worry this could hit some clubs very hard.

“Blackpool are a big club and should be OK, even though the county game won’t go ahead as planned, but I worry about some clubs.”

The county game Danson refers to is Lancashire’s scheduled return to Stanley Park for a Royal London One-Day Cup match against Worcestershire on July 29.

The match won’t go ahead on that date, though it is still unclear whether an attempt will be made to stage the tournament later in the year.

“The county game will be off, so you can guarantee it will be a beautiful day,” added Danson, hinting at Blackpool’s unfortunate reputation for bad weather on days the Red Rose county are in town.

The skipper added that Stanley Park will be ready for some cricket to be played.

Danson explained: “We have to put measures in place for social distancing in the clubhouse, changing rooms and during the tea-break.

“You are now able to train in the nets with another family member. I’ve been to the ground with my son for a 45-minute slot in the nets and it was nice to be back.

“The practice facilities are ready and on the whole people are taking up the option of a net.”

Meanwhile, West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick believes James Anderson will be as dangerous as ever, even without England’s home support.

The tourists are in the UK ahead of next month’s three-Test series behind closed doors, beginning at Southampton on July 8 before two Tests at Old Trafford.

Estwick said: “We can’t nullify the crowd because it’s not there. The 12th man isn’t going to be there (for England) but I don’t think experienced bowlers like (Stuart) Broad and Anderson will be too fazed by the crowd not being there.

“It’s your profession and you deal with what is in front of you. You have to represent your country with pride.

“It’s a different situation but we’ve spent a bit more time as a group together.”