Coronavirus: England cricketers to return to training; 7 things to know
'These are the first steps for players return to training ahead of international cricket potentially resuming later this summer,' Ashley Giles, Managing Director, England Men’s Cricket, said
FollowLondon: England cricketers will return to individual skills-based training from next week, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced.
As the battle against the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues, ECB on Thursday (May 14) put in place measures for its players to return to training.
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Ashley Giles, Managing Director, England Men’s Cricket, said, “These are the first steps for players return to training ahead of international cricket potentially resuming later this summer.”
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He added, “The safety of players, staff and our community is our first priority throughout this protocol. We are committed to adhering to public health guidelines and Government directives intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19. To be clear, we will only train and potentially play cricket behind closed doors if we know it is absolutely safe to do so and is fully supported by the Government.
“We are in constant dialogue with players, coaches and counties to determine what is possible during this period and what facilities will be available to us. We are thankful that we have a united front across all of cricket’s stakeholders to prepare the players in a safe and secure environment.”
According to ECB’s website, the following will be put in place for individual field-based skills training.
1. Players will train individually on a staggered basis with a coach, physio and, where possible, a strength and conditioning coach in attendance.
2. Each individual will observe strict social-distancing, hygiene and temperature testing protocols.
3. The ECB, working with counties, will request a number of county coaches to assist with one-to-one coaching. The ECB will fund this.
4. Players and support staff to arrive in training kit ready to practice.
5. Players and support staff temperatures will be taken before they will be allowed to train.
6. The physio will have to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to treat injuries. The PPE will be sourced and funded by the ECB.
7. Dressing rooms and other venue facilities will be closed.
