The novel COVID-19 or coronavirus has pressed the pause button for cricket indefinitely, and the lockdown has resulted in the postponement of the training camps. While every team is eyeing how to return to the game, England men’s cricketers are getting ready to return to individual skills-based training from next week.
On last Thursday (14th May), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that the English players will now begin the individual skills-based training. Around 30 men’s players, including centrally contracted players and other invited through the county system, will attend this programme.
In the present pandemic situation, the ECB will ensure that the training follows the controlled environment by utilising venues across the countries. During this training period, the safety protocols and social distancing measures for players and staff, which have been set out by the Government’s elite sport return to training guidance, will be followed.
The bowlers are expected to reach their desired loading efforts in the two-week of this training programme. Then, the batsmen and wicket-keepers will start their respective training programmes on an individual basis.
The ECB press release has also clarified the protocols during the “Individual Field-Based Skills” training. These protocols are as follows:
- Players will train individually on a staggered basis with a coach, physio and, where possible, a strength and conditioning coach in attendance.
- Each individual will observe strict social-distancing, hygiene and temperature testing protocols.
- The ECB, working with counties, will request a number of county coaches to assist with one-to-one coaching. The ECB will fund this.
- Players and support staff to arrive in the training kit ready to practice.
- Players and support staff temperatures will be taken before they will be allowed to train.
- The physio will have to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to treat injuries. The PPE will be sourced and funded by the ECB.
- Dressing rooms and other venue facilities will be closed.
These are the first steps for England players return to training
The Managing Director of the England men’s cricket team Ashley Giles has confirmed that these are the first steps for players return to training ahead of the beginning of delayed home summer.
The ECB statement also added, “The next two phases of training, which will be imposed by the Government in conjunction with the ECB’s medical team, will be announced in due course.”
According to the FTP schedule, England will host West Indies, Australia, Pakistan and Ireland in this summer. While the Test series fixture with the West Indies has already been postponed, other fixtures can also face similar fates.
Meanwhile, England Women’s players are likely to begin their training in late June.