THERE is still no date set for the start of the cricket season in Herefordshire despite a relaxation in lockdown rules in England.

Herefordshire Cricket said even though six people are now allowed to meet outdoors, it’s “not an immediate go for organised team sports”.

“We are having discussions with Sport England and the Department for Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS) about what this means specifically for cricket, to then understand how we can support our clubs to initiate plans to get people back playing cricket,” said operations manager Steve Watkins.

“The England and Wales Cricket Board published guidance for the professional domestic season, which will not restart before August 1. Recreational cricket will work to a different timeline, but one that again, will be guided by changes to Government advice. We continue to work with DCMS to see its phased return, and it is our hope that we can provide opportunities to play to everyone this summer.

“For now, the recreational game remains suspended with no cricket to be played with the sole exception of, in England, the ability to use outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise.

“Like all fans of cricket, we wish to see our players, from every part of the game, safely return to the field as soon as possible.

“With the brilliant spell of weather, we have enjoyed lately, we too understand the immense frustration an absence of play is causing.”