Warwickshire County Cricket Club can confirm that its men’s team playing squad will return home early from the pre-season tour at La Manga Club in Spain.

The Bears bowlers flew out to La Manga Club on Friday 5 March and were joined by the rest of the squad on Tuesday. However, following careful consideration, the full squad and management team will return to Birmingham on Saturday.

Paul Farbrace, Sport Director of Warwickshire CCC, said: “We have been closely monitoring the Coronavirus situation in Spain and have been working closely with our tour partners Sporta Group to get the latest local information.

“Whilst the Murcia region of Spain is currently one of the least affected parts of the country, the health and wellbeing of our playing squad and management is our utmost priority and bringing them back to Edgbaston is the best outcome for everyone.

“We will continue our pre-season preparations at Edgbaston next week ahead of the first friendly versus Leicestershire, which starts on Thursday 26 March.

“Our thanks go to Sporta Group for its support throughout the tour process and to La Manga Club for being outstanding hosts and for providing such great facilities to support our 2020 season preparations over the last few days.”