Friday’s floodlit encounter against the Dynamos is, therefore, scheduled to finish at 9.15pm, but this could be extended to 10.15pm in the event of sun stopping play.
These provisions will only be used in the event of low, bright sunlight stopping play and not if rain causes a delay. These measures will ensure that – in the event of a sun stopped play stoppage – a full match of 50 overs-a-side will still be able to take place.
Derbyshire will eradicate the problem long-term after the decision was taken last month for the playing square to be turned through 90 degrees. In the mean time – although technology will be used to predict the exact location of the sun throughout the current season – the Club and the ECB considered it to be prudent that a contingency plan should be put in place.
Chief Executive Tom Sears commented: ‘We are making every effort to ensure that low sunlight will not be an issue by using the very latest technology and the most accurate information we can get. We have monitored to sun during the early part of the season and unfortunately there is not a wicket on our square that will guarantee we will not be affected at this time of the year.
‘As a result, following consultation with the ECB, we have taken to prudent decision to allow an extra hour to ensure the duration of the game is unaffected and our members and supporters enjoy a full match in the event of the sun being an issue.’