Counties back on August 1

COUNTY CRICKET will return on August 1 but it is still debatable whether that will include the red-ball game.

A county meeting on July 6 will hear calls for regionalised 50-overs and a T20 Blast instead of an abbreviated four-day competition. But those wanting red-ball cricket could prevail, with a finale to the season at Lord’s in September.

Some counties will argue hotel costs for four-day games could be prohibitive for cash-strapped clubs. All parties seem to want the T20 Blast – possibly with fans later. ECB chief executive Tom Harrison, above, said: “The safety of our players, staff and officials has been the first priority through all discussions and Government guidance will continue to shape our preparation. “It is a significant step for our game that we are able to approve the start of the men’s domestic season for August 1. It follows extensive consultation between the 18 first-class counties, the Professional Cricketers’ Association and ECB.”

The ECB, who voiced fears cricket was facing a potential £380million black hole, have been partially rescued by the return of international fixtures.