Stanlake arrives in UK but Derbyshire debut is delayed

Australian bowler Billy Stanlake will be available to play for Derbyshire from May 13.

Stanlake has now arrived in the UK following delays due to his commitments with Queensland, and will compete for Derbyshire in all formats.

He’s ineligible for this week’s game with Nottinghamshire due to COVID-19 isolation rules following his arrival, so will have to wait until the LV=County Championship match against Essex in May.

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Head coach Dave Houghton said: “Billy arrived early on Sunday morning and is now in his accommodation in Derby,” he said.

“We originally thought he would be available for the Nottinghamshire game, because he’s come from a secure bubble. However, first-class county cricket is not classed as elite sport. If he was playing Twenty20 tomorrow, he would be eligible, but because it’s four-day cricket, he has to quarantine for five days, which will go beyond the start of Thursday’s game.”

Stanlake is ‘match ready’ having been playing in this year’s Marsh Cup in Australia.

Houghton added: “In terms of bowling loads, he’s ready to go. He’s been bowling all season for Queensland and in the Big Bash, he doesn’t need any time to get into rhythm, but he has a bit more time now to get to know us and train with the squad.

“He may want to play a couple of days in the Second XI game against Warwickshire in Derby, to get a feel for our pitches and the Incora County Ground, but we will wait and see.”