Derbyshire CCC announce return to training

Derbyshire will return to phased training on 1st July. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

The phased return, which will closely follow current government guidance, initially allows players to train in one-hour, one-to-one slots with coaches.

This schedule will gradually increase over the next few weeks to include larger group sessions, while the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) continue to plan for the return of domestic cricket in August.

Head of Cricket, Dave Houghton, said: “This is another positive step towards playing competitive cricket this summer and that’s something everyone at Derbyshire is working towards.

“All of the players have been proactive in managing their fitness, but now we can pick up a bat and ball again with the aim of returning to competitive cricket in August.”

The Pakistan men’s cricket team will hold a training camp in Derby next month, in preparation for their summer tour of England.

The England & Wales Cricket Board has today confirmed that the touring group will arrive in the United Kingdom on Sunday 28 June ahead of three Tests and three Vitality IT20s against England. The behind-closed-doors schedule for these fixtures will be announced in due course.

They will start a 14-day isolation period at Blackfinch New Road, Worcester before transferring to The Incora County Ground, Derby on Monday 13 July to accelerate their preparation ahead of the first Test, which will include two four-day internal warm-up matches.

All members of the tour party will have been tested prior to travel. Those who are testing positive for COVID-19 will not be permitted to travel with the advance group on Sunday.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, said:

“England’s series against Pakistan is important for the whole game and we’re pleased to have the opportunity to play our part in supporting the return of cricket.

“Our venue and groundscare team at The Incora County Ground have been working hard throughout this lockdown period and we look forward to providing international-standard practice facilities for the training camp next month.”

“We have made alternative arrangements for the Derbyshire squad to train at Repton School during the month of July and I would like to thank them for their support.”