The ECB has announced the return of recreational cricket in England with clubs and leagues now given the go ahead to finally play again following government lockdown imposed due to Covid-19.

Measures in place include those participating to undergo personal symptom checks and if individuals do show signs of coronavirus they must stay at home and not take part. It is recommended that players use their own equipment including bats and helmets and to not sweat or saliva the ball, players must wash hands in between breaks and for bowlers at least between every six overs.

Fielders must be at least a metre apart whilst batsmen must keep their distance during runs.

Other important measures include social distancing between breaks and celebrations whilst clubs must keep a record of those in attendance at matches and training (including contact details) with use of the clubhouse, toilets and changing facilities to fall in line with latest UK Government advice.

Groups are also limited to a maximum 30 participants including players, coaches and officials.

These strict guidelines are to at least get clubs playing again with competitions like the Bassetlaw & District Cricket League already having contacted members to participate in competition this delayed summer.

Whilst recreational cricket could start this month at a village level the County Championship is set to start in August with Nottinghamshire likely to feature in red and white ball shortened competitions.

Bad news for Trent Bridge fans however as England’s matches against Pakistan (Aug 24) and Ireland (Sep 10) in Nottingham have been cancelled with the ECB revising its schedule to play behind closed doors in both Southampton and Manchester instead.

*Main image @clumberparkcc will cricket finally be played at Clumber Park this summer?