The coronavirus pandemic has left England’s 7,000 amateur cricket clubs facing a very anxious summer
By Richard Edwards for The Pinch Hitter
Sport is hardly a priority amid an unprecedented global crisis, but, while cricket grounds soak up some welcome spring sunshine in perfect isolation, there are ugly storm clouds circling. This is usually one of the busiest times of the year at club grounds up and down the country, as armies of volunteers and groundstaff prepare the outfield and wickets for the summer ahead.
This spring, though, has a very different feel. Excitement has been replaced by anxiety. Enthusiasm for the season ahead has been tempered with a realisation that, in the coming months, a great many clubs could face a grim fight to simply keep their heads above water.