Traditions shelved in cricket rebound
Cricketwill bounce back across the Wimmera in early November – but spectators at senior matches, high fives and spit-polishing the ball are banned under COVID-19 guidelines.
Cricket was among the first COVID-19 pandemic scalps to fall, with finals series cancelled abruptly as Victoria started its first lockdown period in March.
Cricket Victoria has issued a comprehensive list of rules clubs must follow at training and matches, including a ban on sharing food, cricket equipment including bats, and ensuring there is no direct contact between players on or off the field.
Horsham Cricket Association president Chris Hopper is brimming with renewed excitement at the new season, despite what will be a culture shock for players.
“It is certainly going to make the game of cricket different, simply because of the hygiene aspect, a lot of things will be adjusted for COVID,” he said.
Mr Hopper said the vast majority of cricketers would be more than happy to adjust some traditional aspects of the game if it allowed the season to go ahead.
“The old spit-on-the-ball shining method will be out, we might have to walk out there with a box of tissues or wipes instead,” he laughed.
Other restrictions include a ban on high fives or team celebrations and the mandatory wearing of masks for players not directly batting, bowling or fielding.
All players will need their own set of equipment, with an exception made for siblings in junior grades. Parents or caregivers can attend matches played in grades under 18 but senior cricket enthusiasts will be shunned in an effort to minimise the chance of Victoria lapsing back into lockdown.
“Whatever the changes are it is a small sacrifice to just get back out there and play,” Mr Hopper said.
Mr Hopper, who has played cricket at English county level and interstate on top of his illustrious career with Homers club, said the looming return signified more than sport after a tumultuous year.
“It’s been a long, long time in lockdown and it’s absolutely critical that we keep doing a good job so that people, especially kids, can get out and be active,” he said.
“I know everyone will accept the changes because this year has taught us that things most people have taken for granted now have a different meaning.”
Meanwhile, Grampians Cricket Association has elected a new president to oversee its 202021 season after David Turner stepped down after five years at the helm.
The association’s annual meeting resulted in Marc Brilliant stepping into the role, with Travis Nicholson as senior vice-president and a new board member in Luke Stevens.
In a written statement, the association board and its clubs thanked Mr Turner ‘for the countless hours he has put in the league over those years’ and wished him well in future endeavours.
The statement read: ‘Marc has hit the ground running and working towards starting matches as soon as possible with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions’.