MPCA says one-day games likely as season 2020-21 edges closer
Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association has revealed its plans for season 2020-21, even nominating a potential start date, as the road from lockdown raises the hopes of local cricketers.
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Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association is getting on the front foot as local cricket edges closer to starting the 2020-21 season.
In an update sent to clubs over the weekend, the MPCA said it hoped to start on November 14 — providing the State Government’s plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions materialize.
“If the metropolitan Melbourne restrictions are not changed in any way then the MPCA are looking at starting around mid November 14th,’’ the MPCA said.
“This will allow at least two to three weeks training and possibly a practice game (and) this will also hopefully help clubs by practicing and refining the COVID-19 protocols around cricket.’’
The MPCA said local councils were well advanced in getting grounds prepared for the coming season, “with an estimated 90 per cent ready as of now’’.
Community cricket, training and matches are not currently permitted in any form in Victoria until the current Stage 4 and Stage 3 restrictions are lifted, with the current restrictions on the Mornington Peninsula listed to continue until October 26.
The MPCA board and pennant will meet this week and hoped to provide more clarity about the season ahead.
An MPCA club president’s meeting will also be held on Thursday.
“We totally understand the frustration by clubs as to when the season will start, also as to what the season will look like,’’ the MPCA said.
The MPCA said it was likely that games will be one day formats, to “allow 14 rounds for this season’’ for some of the following reasons:
* allows more games to be finished should a COVID-19 third wave hit.
* avoids potentially shutting down a match (or entire round) mid match (after day 1 but before day 2) where one or more players are impacted by COVID-19.
* allows other options this season if we cannot get started as predicted.
As part of a return-to-play plan, Cricket Australia has released guidelines for competitions to make cricket safer during COVID-19.
CA suggests players should “get in, train and play, and get out’’.
They should shower at home before they arrive at the ground and again when they return, and should “not stay around to socialise’’.
Other measures include players:
* not sharing products or equipment including drinks, towels, lip balm, sunscreen, chewing gum, lollies, helmets, cricket bats, gloves and pads.
* making no physical contact, including hand shakes and high-fives to greet or congratulate others.
* maintaining a distance where possible of 1.5m and not forming team huddles.
On the ground play should be stopped every 40 minutes so the ball can be cleaned with an antimicrobial wipe. At the same time all players and umpires on the field should clean their hands with a suitable sanitiser.
This routine should also be followed at the start of any drinks break, the fall of a wicket, the close of an innings or any other breaks in the game.
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