Gloucestershire install additional cameras to enhance county coverage when cricket returns

The club have invested in new high-definition cameras, placed around the County Ground, which will film games in all formats for screening on the ‘Match Centre’ feature of their official website

Gloucestershire supporters will be able to watch comprehensive coverage of every ball bowled when their team return to competitive action next month.

The club have invested in new high-definition cameras, placed around the County Ground, which will film games in all formats for screening on the ‘Match Centre’ feature of their official website.

In the past, such film has been taken by just two static cameras, situated behind the bowler’s arm at each end, and unable to follow the ball once it is hit beyond the width of the pitch.

As a result, the only dismissals captured fully were bowled, lbw, stumped or caught behind the wicket. Catches in the outfield were beyond the range of the cameras, as was the ball progressing towards or crossing the boundary.

Now, from the return of county cricket on August 1, the coverage will include all that and have a synchronised BBC commentary to enhance the coverage.

Gloucestershire chief executive Will Brown said: “With the prospect of many games being played behind closed doors, we are delighted to offer our supporters the chance to share in the matchday experience from the comfort of their homes.

“They can register on our website free of charge and enjoy all the action, whether it be four-day cricket or the shorter formats.

“The new cameras will be controlled remotely from a control desk and offer the best service we can possibly provide.”

Brown hopes the new match coverage will help repay Gloucestershire followers for what he describes as their “fantastic backing” over the course of the Covid-19 emergency.

“At times I have got quite emotional over the messages sent to us by supporters, either checking that all is well with staff members, or sharing their own experiences of lockdown,” he said.

“While everyone has been bitterly disappointed not to have a normal season, particularly on the back of us winning promotion in the Championship last season, there has been a huge sense of community spirit.

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“Gloucestershire cricket really is one big family and that has never been clearer than in recent months. Members have been donating their subscriptions to the club, even though they have seen no cricket.

“We have also received tremendous support from the ECB, for which we are very grateful, and from our sponsors and commercial partners.

“Thanks to all that, I am confident that our finances will remain solid, despite all the disruption.”

Along with everyone else associated with county cricket, Brown is eagerly awaiting news of what competitions will be played once it resumes.

He said: “I’m sure there will be a T20 tournament because that could be easily fitted in within the limited time available.

“With four-day cricket, there will be the problem of arranging travel and accommodation. It would make sense to regionalise and play our nearest neighbours to avoid overnight stays.

“Matches against Somerset, in particular, but also Glamorgan and Worcestershire always create major interest. I am confident there will be some meaningful red-ball cricket, as well as one-day games.”

Gloucestershire’s players returned to training on Wednesday, as did Somerset’s, with a month to prepare for whatever competitions lie in store. 

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