Glamorgan prepare for delayed start with the recreational game still in the blocks

Coach Matthew Maynard has welcomed back a number of players ahead of the season getting underway on August 1

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While Glamorgan’s cricketers began their preparations on Wednesday for the abbreviated season, which is due to start on August 1, club players and children in the Principality are hoping that restrictions will soon be lifted by the Welsh Government which will allow them to resume playing.

Leisha Hawkins, the chief executive of Cricket Wales says “there is deep frustration everywhere that there has been no cricket, especially as it is a socially distanced game, and any changes, such as field placing, could easily be implemented”.

She added: “There are 185 cricket clubs around Wales - thankfully they are still there and we have been pro-active in supporting them financially, and we are all hoping the Government will allow us to start within the next week or so.“

Meanwhile, not all Glamorgan’s staff were permitted to train at Sophia Gardens, opting instead to operate on a one-to-one basis, with head coach Matthew Maynard in attendance.

“We are just glad to be back again,” said Maynard, as players underwent temperature checks before entering the ground, followed by fitness tests before ensuring they were using their individual equipment.

He added: “This process of group sessions would continue before full squad work starts later in the month.”

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The ground staff have been working during the lockdown, making sure that all the facilities are ready, while the players are due to know next Tuesday what competitions they will be playing during August, September and early October.

Maynard said: “The Royal London 50-over cup is probably the better option, instead of four or five championship games before the T20 Blast which follows in September.

“With the fixtures regionalised, it means you will be able to travel to away games and then return the same day with no need for overnight stays in hotels.”

All-rounder David Lloyd, who was appointed captain for the Royal London Cup games, will not now lead the side, as club captain Chris Cooke, who was selected for The Hundred competition and would miss the 50-over games, will now be available after the inaugural Hundred was postponed until next year.

Glamorgan’s overseas player Marnus Labuschagne will not be available for any competition, and although the club are hopeful that their one-day specialist Kolpak player Colin Ingram might appear, much will depend on the current travel restrictions between the UK and South Africa.

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