‘No better time to get active again’

England captain Eoin Morgan believes with the cricket season just around the corner there is no better time for lockdown restrictions to be lifted to enable sports facilities to reopen.

In line with the government’s roadmap for a return to normality following the widespread disruption caused by Covid-19, organised outdoor team sports can resume from today.

Parents and guardians are being urged to help their children follow the guidance of the Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day, with adults advised to take at least 150 minutes a week.

‘I know how lucky I’ve been as a sportsperson to play cricket for a living, and to have been able to continue to do so during the ongoing pandemic while so many others have been unable to,’ said World Cup-winning captain Morgan, below.

‘The reason I started playing cricket as a child was because I loved it, but it also helped me keep fit and active, spend time with my friends, make new ones and have fun.

‘I know that so many people, and especially children, have missed out on those vitally important things because of the pandemic so I’m delighted to endorse the #returntoplay campaign.

‘With summer – and the cricket season – just around the corner, there’s no better time for everyone, young and old, to get back to having fun by getting outdoors, being active and playing sport.’

Other sports facilities such as football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools and golf courses can also now reopen safely.

Youth sport is a top priority in the roadmap and last week the government announced £100million has now been allocated to 266 local authorities across England to support the recovery of publiclyowned leisure centres and gyms.

Grassroots sports and the physical activity sector are also benefiting from £270m in emergency funding delivered by Sport England.

‘Over the past year we have prioritised the importance of physical activity, permitting basic exercise at all times,’ said sports minister Nigel Huddleston.

‘However the reality is that activity levels have still dropped in lockdown. That’s why outdoor grassroots sport reopening today is so important.’

Hampshire’s 2021 County Championship season is due to start at Leicester on April 8, while grassroots clubs in the Portsmouth area are playing pre-season friendlies from the following Saturday.