NSW Premier Cricket: COVID-19 leads to new game day rules

Playing cricket this season will not be like any other, with new match-day protocols being brought in, including one which impacts players’ afternoon tea breaks. SEE WHAT THE NEW RULES ARE.

Fresh homemade scones like these have been on the menu of numerous afternoon teas at cricket matches over the years. But not this season.

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It’s one of the great traditions of cricket - and a competition in itself - but afternoon teas will be off the menu at Premier Cricket matches this summer.

Instead it’s BYO lunch or a quick duck to the canteen or local shop for cricketers gearing up for the opening matches of the season this weekend.

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The days of tables groaning under the weight of fresh scones, jam and cream, dainty finger sandwiches with a variety of fillings, a lovely light sponge and party pies and sausage rolls are over - for the immediate future at least.

Dainty sandwiches have been a popular treat at afternoon teas at cricket matches.

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The serving and preparation of food at games has been put on hold due to the coronavirus.

It’s a tradition which will be sadly missed by cricketers who have benefited from the fierce competition between clubs to produce the best afternoon teas.

“It’s a real competition in itself,” said Premier Cricket manager Roy Formica.

“Some clubs have done it very well.”

A variety of new rules will apply to NSW cricket matches under COVID safety measures.

These include every ground having a designated COVID marshall, hand sanitiser at the boundary and home captains providing a coin for the toss which will be done with social distancing in place.

Gurinder Sandhu in action for the Lions in match between Liverpool Fairfield and Sydney at Drummoyne Oval in January.

Players and fans must all sign on manually or via a QR code on arrival at their grounds.

Saliva cannot be used to polish the ball and hats or clothing may not be handed to umpires.

The number of people in dressing rooms is restricted by the four square metre rule rarefied as are shower and there are no huddles alike off or on the ground after play.

This season’s competition will involve 15 rounds plus six rounds of T20 competition.