England bans saliva to polish balls

England's cricketers are set to return to training next week under strict regulations as the sport takes its first steps towards a possible resumption.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) say a carefully controlled plan designed to be in line with the UK government's guidance has been put in place, with venues across the country to be utilized.

All players will train individually on a staggered basis alongside a coach, physio and conditioning coach, with each individual required to observe strict social distancing, hygiene and temperature testing protocols.

The Guardian is reporting that as part of a 'one skin per ball' policy, each player will be allocated their own box of balls that only they can touch and which must be placed in their kit bag when not in use.

Players will also be prohibited from using saliva to polish the balls.

Coaches, who will also have their own box of balls for throw downs, have been told they can wear a catching mitt on one hand and a rubber glove on the other, while all catching gloves and ball throwers must be disinfected between sessions.

Batsmen have been told they must kick or hit the ball back to their coach in the nets, rather than pick it up and throw it.

Players will also be required to leave immediately after their session – they are prohibited from using the dressing rooms at training venues – and are not allowed to store their equipment at grounds.

Bowlers will begin their training programs on Monday and a fortnight later batsmen and wicketkeepers will follow suit, with all sessions required to be held outdoors. _Agencies


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