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England bowlers return to training next week as Ashley Giles reveals step-by-step plan for return

, England bowlers return to training next week as Ashley Giles reveals step-by-step plan for return

ASHLEY GILES revealed how England’s cricketers will resume training next week — in the next big step towards matches behind closed doors.

On Wednesday — seven weeks before the scheduled First Test against West Indies in Southampton on July 8 — bowlers begin practising outdoors in one-on-one sessions with coaches at seven different venues.

England stars such as Ben Stokes are due to resume training soon
, England bowlers return to training next week as Ashley Giles reveals step-by-step plan for return
Ashley Giles is setting out a careful plan for the comeback

A fortnight later, batsmen and wicketkeepers start training at four further venues.

In total, 30 players will be involved to allow an inter-squad match in late June and rotation of players once the internationals start.

England team supremo Giles outlined the strict measures in place because of Covid-19. They include:

  • Players to train individually on a staggered basis with coach, physio and, where possible, a strength and conditioning coach in attendance.
  •  Strict social-distancing and hygiene protocols to be observed. Temperatures taken before anyone can train.
  •  Players and support staff to arrive in kit ready to practise.
  •  Physio to wear protective personal equipment to treat injuries. PPE sourced and funded by the ECB.
  •  Dressing rooms and other venue facilities closed.

Giles, 47, said: “We’re working back seven weeks from what could be the First Test.

“We have to give our bowlers enough time to get their loads up and some overs back in their legs.

“We should be able to control the environment, so it’s safer to practise than going to the supermarket.

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“No player has said ‘no’ but, if that does happen, it’s fine. These are difficult circumstances and there will be no prejudice. It’s an individual choice.”

BURST THE BUBBLE

Giles insists England players must be allowed to go home during the international summer — for their own good.

He warns it would “not be normal” to expect them to remain in a bio-secure bubble for up to ten weeks.

Giles said star players are likely to be omitted if Government and medical guidelines prevent them seeing loved ones and returning to the team.

It means Test captain Joe Root should be able to attend the birth of his second child in July.

If and when he could return to the squad remains unclear.

Players were initially warned they might need to be isolated in grounds and hotels for around 2½ months. But Giles added: “We have to look at ways of getting players home.

“It isn’t normal. These guys are used to touring for three or four months but these aren’t normal conditions.

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“People want to see families and kids because of what’s happening in the country. It isn’t realistic to expect them to be in a bubble for ten weeks.

“We’re either going to have to be smart with how we can get guys in and out of that environment — testing and tracing will have changed by then and that should help — or we’re going to have to be smart with selection.”

Giles is confident West Indies will send a team but understands if any player feels anxious.

He added: “I’d be nervous but we’re all nervous, aren’t we?

“I went shopping last week and it’s a really weird feeling. You are almost threatened by anyone who comes near you. That will change over time.

“We’re doing everything to answer the West Indies’ questions and speaking to Pakistan as well. We can’t mitigate all risk but want, as much as possible, to get guys comfortable.

“A big part of my job is trying to get cricket on. But it has to be safe, we would never compromise the safety of our players and people. Right now, I’m confident we will have the correct conditions to play some cricket.”

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