County Championship side Somerset have cancelled the contract of former South African fast bowler Vernon Philander.

According to the BBC, the agreement was made with both parties’ consent, given the turmoil caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Philander was due to join Somerset as an overseas player for the upcoming County Championship, but the coronavirus has put a strong question mark over all forms of cricket in England’s summer season, which was due to start this month.

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The club’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, said the decision was the only logical outcome under the circumstances.

‘Given the current uncertainty the cancellation of his contract was a prudent and sensible decision. I would like to thank Vernon and his management team for their understanding of the current situation and we hope one day to see Vernon back wearing Somerset colours.’

Philander announced his retirement from international cricket in December last year, with the recent Test series against England the last time he represented the Proteas.

He was part of a golden Test era for South African cricket, becoming the second-fastest bowler to reach 50 wickets in the format.

In the 64 Test matches he played in, the right-hander accumulated 224 wickets at an average of 22.32.

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