Derbyshire batsman Chris Bassano was forced to pull out of the Championship match against Worcestershire after his father Brian suffered a serious stroke.

Bassano, who last month became the first player to score a century in each innings on Championship debut, was due to fly back to Tasmania later today and Derbyshire will play the rest of the game with only ten men.

Derbyshire chief executive John Smedley said: "Unfortunately the laws of the game do not cover such eventualities, and whilst a fielding substitute will be allowed, a replacement batsman or bowler is not a possibility."

Derbyshire are already well below strength with six first-team players, including overseas batsman Michael Di Venuto, out of this game through injury and the loss of Bassano leaves them facing an uphill task to avoid another defeat.

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