Kent batsman Jordan Cox will miss the side’s game against Middlesex this weekend after breaching the team’s COVID-19 protocols.

The 19-year-old, who hit a record breaking unbeaten 237 not out in Kent’s victory over Sussex earlier this week, posed for a photo with fans following the game and will now have to sit out of the Spitfires’ crunch tie at Canterbury later this week.

He will have to undergo a period of self-isolation and return a negative coronavirus test before rejoining the playing group.

In response, Cox told Kent’s website: “I am very sorry this has happened. I fully understand the consequences and want to apologise to everyone.

“I’m gutted to be missing the next match and feel like I have let the team down.”

Kent director of cricket Paul Downton told the site: “It is unfortunate for Jordan that on the back of an outstanding performance our medical protocols were breached.

“We take these protocols very seriously and Jordan has no choice but to go into self-isolation.”

Cox’s absence will be a huge loss for Kent. His score against Sussex was the highest ever maiden century score in the club’s history, and his unbeaten partnership of 423 with Jack Leaning for the second wicket was the biggest partnership the club has ever seen.

The potential return of Joe Denly and Heino Kuhn could boost Kent’s options with the bat in Cox’s absence.

The game against Middlesex, Kent’s third of their Bob Willis Trophy campaign, starts on Saturday.