ALL forms of "recreational" cricket have been suspended in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the ECB has announced.

Several clubs in Dorset had already cancelled all pre-season training, but the ECB's directive goes one step further in recommending all activity immediately cease.

In a statement, cricket's governing body said: "Following the Government’s latest advice around social distancing, it is with sadness and reluctance that we recommend that all forms of recreational cricket are for now suspended.

“This extends to training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity.

“Sport plays an absolutely vital role in the nation’s mental and physical wellbeing, and it helps people find meaning where there is fear and uncertainty, so one of our goals in the coming weeks will be to explore ways that we can support some levels of physical activity in communities - particularly at junior levels.

“Using our cricket community to support others could be one of the most important services we can offer during the difficult next few months.

“It will be critical that any decisions we do make are medically-led. And we will continue to work with (the) Government and their advisors to ensure we are informed by science in our decision making. 

“Over the coming weeks we will work with the game to understand what support is required across the cricket community, particularly local clubs and leagues - who will have such a huge role to play in our nation’s response to coming out of this situation.”

The decision comes after England's tour of Sri Lanka this month was postponed.