Following this afternoon's confirmation from the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that the 2020 men’s county season will begin on 1 August and a commitment for the return of domestic women’s cricket, Warwickshire County Cricket Club has finalised plans for its men’s squad to return to training from Wednesday 1 July.

Since early June, the Club’s Edgbaston Stadium has been used as a safe and sterile training base for the five Bears players who were named in the England summer training group. All players and Cricket Management team members will now report back from Wednesday for training, which will be in-keeping with Government advice on professional sport.

“We’re over the moon that we are now in a position to resume our preparations for the 2020 season. We have held regular conversations with the ECB and other First Class counties about the potential season start and, whilst the formats are still to be confirmed, it is important that we make a prompt return to training.

Paul Farbrace

“The men’s squad worked exceptionally hard over the winter months and our preparations had been good before we were forced to return home early from the pre-season tour at La Manga Club in March. They have naturally kept up their fitness and we have been in regular contact with them throughout this lockdown process.

“It’s also great to see a shared commitment to getting women’s domestic cricket underway and we look forward to playing a part in the further conversations with the ECB to determine the programme.

“The last three months have been incredibly tough for everyone, and our thoughts are certainly with those who have lost loved ones or been affected by the virus. Hopefully the return of domestic cricket will bring a smile to a lot of faces and we can’t wait to get started.”

All detail on the 2020 schedule will be released by the ECB in the coming weeks and Warwickshire Members and supporters will be the first to receive this via edgbaston.com and the Club’s social media channels. The Club will provide an update to Members when it is able to better understand the implications of the revised 2020 county season.