Bob Willis Trophy 2020: Pacer suspended after placing hand sanitizer on the ball

Australia-born England’s first-class cricketer Mitch Claydon is accused of using hand sanitizer on the ball during the Bob Willis Trophy 2020 in the match between Sussex and Middlesex last month. Following the accusations, the all-rounder has been suspended from the upcoming matches and will be allowed to play only when the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) complete their investigation.

Mitch had joined Sussex County Cricket Club at the end of the last season after breaking his association with his previous team Kent. He has a proven track record of success in county cricket, taking 545 wickets across all formats during spells with Yorkshire, Durham, and Kent.

Originally from Sydney, Claydon used his British passport to join Yorkshire in 2006. The all-rounder further moved to Claydon Durham where he was part of the Championship-winning sides of 2008, 2009, and 2013. Not getting many opportunities in the Durham side, the 37-year-old collaborated with Kent for a loan stint in 2013.

After a successful loan stint, he was offered a seven-year association with the club and helped his team in winning promotion to the Championship’s top division in 2018 and reaching the final of the One-Day Cup the same year. However, as the Club was not interested in renewing his contract beyond the 2019 edition, Claydon was signed by Sussex.

Mitch Claydon to not be a part of the match against Surrey

Sussex County Cricket Club had locked horns with Middlesex for a five-day Test match from August 22 at Brunton Memorial Ground, Radlett. Though Middlesex had won the match by five wickets, Mitch Claydon was hailed for his exemplary performance in the first innings of the match with the ball.

The 37-year-old had taken three wickets in the first innings in the 14 overs he bowled. Also, the pacer had leaked only 23 runs while maintaining an economy of 1.6. However, after the allegations of using hand sanitizer on the ball, Mitch will not feature in the 14-man squad for Sussex as they will play against Surrey on Sunday.

Posting an update on their website, Sussex said, “Mitch Claydon is suspended pending the outcome of an ECB allegation of placing hand sanitizer on the ball in our match against Middlesex. There will be no further comment at this stage.”