CRICKETERS are returning to the nets, hopeful the season will be returning soon.

Players from Droitwich Spa Cricket Club were back enjoying their sport at their St Peter's Fields ground at the weekend and were certainly not stumped by the social distancing rules that were in place.

Adhering to guidance from the Government and the England Cricket Board (ECB), the Club was able to organise batting and bowling practice sessions using a roll-on net on the square.

Friday saw juniors enjoy one-to-one training with a DSCC coach, whilst Saturday's sessions were for senior players - each open to no more than two players at a time or groups from the same household with social distancing observed and equipment sanitised between sessions.

Martyn Davies, DSCC chairman, said: "With the fantastic weather that we've been having, it was great for members to play some cricket again.

"We have put together a structured programme with various conditions in place to ensure Government/ECB guidelines were met and all were observed impeccably."

"As the restrictions are eased, the plan will be to hold more sessions and increase the number of players who can attend.

"We haven't yet given up hope of playing some competitive cricket at some point this summer but, in the meantime, we can at least get out into the middle and practice."

Last week, the ECB announced it had pushed back the start of the domestic cricket season again, meaning there will be no cricket until at least August.

Despite this, it is hoped England's test series against the West Indies, set to take place in July, will go ahead in a "bio-secure" environment.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison, said: "Naturally we want to see cricket being played at every level.

"We remain hopeful of seeing both domestic and recreational cricket this season and planning with the PGG has allowed us to map a number of potential scenarios for domestic play.

"Whilst traditional formats of our competitions are the preference, we are not against exploring the unorthodox to ensure that we can return our players to the field.

"That can only happen though when it is safe, and we have said throughout this crisis that the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the game is our key priority.

"We have learned a lot and continue to learn about the safety protocols that would need to be in place to stage international cricket behind closed doors in this environment and those protocols will also need to apply to the domestic game.

"Across the recreational game it has been heart-warming to hear of clubs where players have returned to the nets."