Sun sets on Derbyshire

Derbyshire will move their square later in the year

Derbyshire have made some contingency plans in the case of sun stopping play during their Friends Provident Trophy matches against Durham and Scotland.

The match against Durham Dynamos on Friday May 2 will start at 1.30pm - an hour earlier than originally scheduled - to allow provision for an extra hour at the end should the sun be too blinding earlier in the day.

The floodlit encounter against the Dynamos is scheduled to finish at 9.15pm, but this could be extended to 10.15pm if necessary.

An extra hour has also been allocated for the match against Scotland on Sunday May 4, but the start time of 12pm remains the same. The match retains its scheduled finish time of 7.45pm which could, if needed, be extended to 8.45pm.

These provisions will only be used in the event of low, bright sunlight stopping play and not if rain causes a delay. These measures will ensure that – in the event of a sun stopped play stoppage – a full match of 50 overs a side will still be able to take place.

Derbyshire will eradicate the problem long-term after the decision was taken last month for the playing square to be turned through 90 degrees.

Chief executive Tom Sears said: “We are making every effort to ensure that low sunlight will not be an issue by using the very latest technology and the most accurate information we can get.

"We have monitored the sun during the early part of the season and unfortunately there is not a wicket on our square that will guarantee we will not be affected at this time of the year.

“As a result, following consultation with the ECB, we have taken a prudent decision to allow an extra hour to ensure the duration of the game is unaffected and our members and supporters enjoy a full match in the event of the sun being an issue.”