Morris still hoping to see some play for Glam this term
FOLLOWING the ECB’s decision to extend the shutdown of domestic cricket until August 1, Glamorgan chief executive Hugh Morris remains hopeful of playing at least some cricket this season.
While any prospect of play this summer will depend on Government advice, with safety the first priority, the ECB’s Professional Game Group (PGG) is investigating the scheduling options available with a desire to play some red ball and some white-ball cricket.
The PGG is also looking into the use of a regional group model as well as considering domestic matches being played behind closed doors or with a limited number of supporters while strictly adhering to Government guidance on social distancing.
And following Surrey and Northants’ decision to begin contingency plans, which would enable spectators to watch live cricket under social distancing, Morris said: “There would be no problem for Sophia Gardens - a Test arena - to follow suit, especially as the ground has a capacity of 16,000.
“We are sharing information across all 18 counties and the MCC, and if we did get the go-ahead to provide for reduced home crowds, we would have plans in place.”
Morris also added that should the ECB decide to stage games at regional hubs, instead of playing at every county ground, then Glamorgan would certainly bid to be one of those venues.
As Wales has different rules to England, the club would also have to work closely with the Welsh Government, who implement different health regulations.
“Together with other different elite professional sports, we are all discussing our individual situations with the Welsh Sports Association,” he said.
“Much will now depend on the next discussions between the counties and the MCC which is due to take place next month.”
Meanwhile, Rob Ahmun, the former Glamorgan Health and Conditioning coach, who is now in charge of England, has been supervising the players’ individual training programmes as they prepare for the possibility of a Test Series against the West Indies and Pakistan.
“Much of the preparatory work has been with the bowlers and we think that seven to eight weeks is the ideal time to build up the volumes of training,” said Ahmun, who has been operating from his home in West Wales.
He has also worked with Surrey, and devised all the physical programmes through Zoom, Facetime and emails.
“I must also give credit to the county coaches who have been working closely with me, and they have all, together with the Covid Officer alongside, been able to deliver the for us.”
The ECB announced on Friday a 55-man list of players who had been asked to return to training ahead of the possibility of international cricket later this summer.