THE news that all the Somerset players have come off furlough and started training this week is the biggest indication yet that county cricket will be played in some form or other in 2020, writes Richard Walsh.

At the end of last week Somerset confirmed that members of the playing squad would be returning to individual training on Wednesday, July 1. The players are training under strict Government guidance to ensure a safe environment, with a view to professional cricket returning in August.

Somerset head coach Jason Kerr said: “There is huge excitement around the group, with the prospect of training and the hopeful return of some cricket.

“The lads have been very creative while in lockdown, adapting brilliantly to training away from the environment, and we can now focus on preparing best we can over the next few weeks.”