Players delighted as club cricket returns to New Milton

Recreational cricket matches have resumed across the region this weekend - as part of the latest round of lockdown easing, with extra precautions in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The return to play follows an announcement a few days ago from the Prime Minister that cricket could restart from 11 July, shortly after he had initially said that it was not yet safe to play the grassroots game because of issues with dressing room access and tea breaks.

"I sought scientific advice and medical opinions, the third umpire has been invoked," the Prime Minister said.

The restrictions include social distancing, regularly sanitising cricket balls, not using changing rooms, and not having the traditional 'cricket teas'.

At a friendly match on Saturday between the 'New Milton third' and the Bournemouth-based 'Suttoners first', adapting to socially distanced celebrations was the biggest challenge.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said that it was 'delighted' with the news. The ECB launched a friendly request on social media for local clubs to share their photographs of the first weekend back.

Chief Medical Officer Chris Witty said that he believed it would be safe for the sport to return - as long as those playing don't do things like hugging the bowler or drinking in the clubhouse after matches. Despite the new rules players have welcomed being able to get together again.