Surrey to host Middlesex in two-day friendly as domestic cricket prepares for return

The game will use a red ball and behind closed doors. No competitive domestic cricket will be played ahead of August 1, but the fixture is viewed as part of both counties’ preparations ahead of a possible resumption the following weekend

Surrey are to host Middlesex in a two-day friendly at The Kia Oval on July 26 and July 27 as domestic cricket ramps up plans for its return.

The game will be played as a two-day friendly, using a red ball. No competitive domestic cricket will be played ahead of August 1 in a campaign delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, but the fixture is viewed as part of both counties’ preparations ahead of a possible resumption the following weekend.

The match will take place behind closed doors, but will be streamed with a multi-camera production on Surrey’s official Facebook page and on the club’s official website.

Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket, said: “I’m really excited to hopefully see cricket return to the Kia Oval at the end of July and then for the rest of the season.”

Surrey’s players – along with those of Lancashire – have never been placed on furlough, though Middlesex’s playing staff have been.

One possible issue raised with regards to multi-day domestic cricket has been the complexity of travel arrangements and the need for hotels. This local affair, however, should avoid those concerns.

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