The county cricket season will not start until at least 28 May because of the corona-virus crisis.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said “given the current information available, a seven-week delay… is the most appropriate approach”.

It said it is possible that the season could start behind closed doors, with fans able to watch live broadcast action.

The County Championship was due to begin on 12 April.

England are not scheduled to play until 4 June, when they start a three-Test series against West Indies.

The ECB said work had started on possible revised schedules for the men and women’s game to begin in June, July or August, covering international and domestic matches.