Northants cricketer Alex Wakely postpones testimonial year until 2021

Alex Wakley has postponed his testimonial year

The club's former skipper was awarded the testimonial earlier this year, for 13 seasons of loyal service to the County Ground club.

But with the threat of events having to be suspended or even cancelled, the decision has been made to put the testimonial back 12 months.

Wakely was due to kick-off the events with a special dinner, with Sir Alastair Cook and Dylan Hartley the guest speakers, at Bedford School on April 17, but that has now been called off.

“I’m gutted that I have to postpone my testimonial year but I also fully appreciate that there are far more important things to worry about at the moment," said Wakely, who was speaking after returning from the club's pre-season training camp in Singapore.

"Thank you to everyone that has helped to this point and I hope I can persuade you to help me again me when we start next year, stay safe!"

Northants chairman Gavin Warren said: “The board of directors have unanimously supported the request from Wakers to postpone his testimonial year.

“We believe Alex deserves the best opportunity to have successful year so we wish him luck in planning for that.”

All events that had already been announced, including the launch dinner, a golf day at Collingtree Park on May 13 and a gala dinner on August 7, have been cancelled and will be rescheduled in the new year.

Wakely's testimonial committee will be in contact with anyone that has booked tables to events to explain the situation directly in the coming days.