Lancs trio to up training as England Tests move a step closer

THE ECB have confirmed up to 18 England bowlers will take part in individual training sessions across seven county grounds from today as they begin their build up to playing international cricket this summer.

As reported in yesterday’s M.E.N. Sport, Lancashire’s Jimmy Anderson, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Parkinson are due to start working with Red Rose head coach Glen Chapple at Emirates Old Trafford this week under strict safety protocols.

Edgbaston, Emirates Riverside, Kia Oval, Trent Bridge, Taunton and Hove are also being used for 15 other bowlers who could play a part in England’s two Test series against Pakistan and West Indies and their ODI schedule.

Each ground will hosting at least one session this week, before a full roll out from Monday.

The designated bowlers, whose identities have not yet been confirmed by the ECB, will have their temperatures checked while social distancing is also a must during the sessions.

As training advances to smaller groups, there will be more stringent virus testing.

Batsmen - such as Lancashire’s Jos Buttler and Keaton Jennings - will return to training on June 1.

Bowlers must bring their own kit, including assigned cricket balls, wash their hands regularly, clean equipment used with disinfectant wipes and arrive at training ready to start practice.

If they bowl in an empty net, they must collect their own ball, which is not allowed to be shined with saliva or sweat.

Bowling into a mitt is allowed, but coaches must bring their own mitt and wear a disposable glove on the other hand.