DURHAM have been forced to call off a proposed pre-season friendly with Durham University because police were concerned about the likelihood of spectators congregating to watch in breach of coronavirus regulations.

With the County Championship season set to begin next week, Durham were hoping to warm up with a two-day game against the University.

The match was due to take place at the University’s Racecourse ground, but with public footpaths surrounding the venue close to the banks of the River Wear, fears were raised about the potential for large groups of spectators taking advantage of the warm spring weather.

As a result, the game was scrapped before it was due to start, with Durham’s coaching staff having to hastily rearrange their pre-season plans.

Durham head coach James Franklin said: “Unfortunately, the local police had reservations about the game. With the weather being so good, I think they just had reservations about the potential for groups of people to be congregating around the Racecourse.

“There is a public walkway around the course, and with us playing there with good weather, I think there was a natural concern that there just might be a few too many people congregating there than the Durham police would want to deal with.

“So, the Durham police basically made a recommendation for the game to be cancelled. Unfortunately, we’ve had to rejig our week because of that, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing and we can still make it work for us.”