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BSP-13
CRICKET-ENG-TRAINING
England bowlers lead the way as cricketers resume training
LONDON, May 20, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – England bowlers are set to report
for training on Thursday, leading the way as cricket chiefs step up
plans to start a season heavily delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The global health crisis has put matches on hold in England until
July 1 at the earliest while in other countries the season is already
over.
Despite the pandemic, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is
still planning to stage a full home international programme, starting
with a three-Test series against the West Indies, which was originally
scheduled for June.
The ECB has announced that up to 18 bowlers will be involved from Thursday.
Edgbaston, Hove, Old Trafford, the Oval, the Riverside, Taunton and
Trent Bridge will stage at least one session, before batsmen and
wicketkeepers become involved from June 1.
The bowlers’ identities have yet to be made public but the choice of
venues indicates that James Anderson (Old Trafford) and Stuart Broad
(Trent Bridge) will be among the leading England bowlers training at
their home county grounds.
Bowlers will have to bring their own kit, including designated
cricket balls, wash their hands regularly, and clean any equipment
used with disinfectant wipes.
England managing director Ashley Giles said last week he wanted the
training sessions to be safer than a trip to a supermarket.
As well as the West Indies Test series, England’s cricket schedule
includes three Tests against Pakistan and limited-overs matches
against Australia and Ireland, with the fixtures set to be played
behind closed doors at bio-secure venues.
ECB chief executive Tom Harrison has warned a season without any
matches at all could cost the board œ380 million ($465 million).
BSS/AFP/MRU/1952hrs