Venue move for Staffs showcase
STAFFORDSHIRE County Cricket Club’s ‘showcase’ game against Leicestershire will go ahead this summer - but at a new venue.
The 50-over per side match was initially added to the programme in 2020 as part of a restructure of minor counties cricket, which has seen the competition renamed the National Counties Cricket Association.
All 20 teams were given the chance to take on a first-class county every year until the summer of 2024.
However, last year’s fixtures were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
It has now been confirmed that the match will be staged this summer, but instead of being at the intended venue of Knypersley, it will now be played at Leicestershire’s Grace Road headquarters on Tuesday, July 20.
The initial plan was for NCCA members to host the games in order to generate revenue and provide the opportunity for local cricket supporters to see first-class players in action on their doorstep.
But with coronavirus restrictions still in place, a review undertaken by the NCCA, ECB and firstclass counties decided that the requirements being placed on
NCCA counties to host the games are both unrealistic and certain to create undue pressure on volunteer organisations.
It was, therefore, decided to look at switching venues, which Leicestershire have agreed to.
The match will form part of Leicestershire’s preparations for the Royal London One-day Cup campaign, which they start on July 22 at home against Derbyshire.
There may well be restrictions
which will have to be adhered to in terms of spectator attendance for the Staffs fixture, but this will be confirmed at a later date.
Leicestershire will be without
Staffordshire left-arm spinner Callum Parkinson and captain Colin Ackermann for the match because the pair are involved in The Hundred.
Parkinson is representing
Northern superchargers, with Ackermann drafted to Manchester Originals.
Staffordshire have Leicestershire twice before.
In 1975, Staffs were beaten by 214 runs in a Gillette Cup firstround tie at Longton.
Barry Dudleston and John Steele both scored centuries for Leicestershire in their 287-4 from 60 overs, before Staffs were bundled out for 73.
Ex-staffordshire bowler Ken Higgs took 6-20.
The last meeting between the two counties was in 1998 at Grace Road in the Natwest Trophy.
Staffordshire were dismissed for 189 as England all-rounder Chris Lewis helped himself to an impressive 5-19.
West Indies’ Phil Simmons then compiled a masterful 107 not out to guide Leicestershire to a six-wicket win with more than 22 overs to spare.
Staffordshire have already seen a delayed start to their 2021 season after the Twenty20 Cup was called off because of ongoing Covid restrictions.
Staffs will now start their summer schedule on Sunday, June 13 with their opening Knockout Trophy group game against Cumbria at Cockermouth. met