Crossing the Boundary: From Covid to Cricket

On page 167 of Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring, the book which provides umpires, scorers and all other cricket lovers with a detailed but straightforward analysis of the Laws of Cricket, it reads,

‘Just as the creases are edges, so the boundary is an edge. It is the dividing line between the field of play and the world outside’.

How poignant a sentence to those involved in Cricket amidst a devastating thirteen-month period. A small sense of normality awaits on the cricket field set in stark contrast to the outside world – a chaotic, unorganized mess resulting from the ongoing challenge of the global COVID-19 pandemic. That first step across the boundary, much like that first smell of a freshly cut outfield on a sunny spring evening, will be a welcome one to all those involved in cricket this summer.

When ‘Play’ is finally called at recreational level, the time on the cricket field, often dictated by the weather of a British summer, is precious time. For many the cricket field is a welcomed sanctum from the outside world, even in ‘normal’ times, and offers a field of optimism. For the Bowler, ball in hand, posed ready to strike at the end of the run up ready to take the first wicket – better yet clean bowling the batsman. For the fielding side, finding similar spots to those they have been positioned in seasons gone by, awaiting the ball to be delivered, opportunistically waiting for the batsman mistiming a delivery and pouncing on an edge to claim their team’s first wicket. In contrast, the Batsman, helmet, gloves, pads and bat, stands waiting the battle in the middle, hoping to spend time at the crease, far away from the boundary edge, eager to get bat on ball and accumulate runs in what may be their only opportunity of the week.

The Scorer’s pencils sharpened, coloured pens and laptops at the ready to play their part in the match in keeping impeccably concise records of the match events (batting wagon wheels and all); their pride and joy during and after each cricketing fixture.

Also, for the Umpire, the pre-match duties ticked off, consolidated and discussed with the captains at the Toss, they will take their position in the middle mentally, and physically, ready for the match ahead. The task in hand, along with the scorers, to maintain optimum concentration for the duration of the match – with just a short time to rehydrate and stock up on fuel (food) for the next session. One slight dip in concentration could cause havoc for the match in progress – the event that many look forward to each week - and to which every umpire will endeavor to avoid a mistake at all costs. Just as much as the players await each match of cricket, the umpires also hold the same passion for the sport and plan to facilitate others in playing and escaping the world the other side of the boundary. Believe it or not, officials do not set out on the morning of a match day with the mindset of ‘I wonder how I can ruin someone’s game of cricket today’!

Safe to say, all will be chomping at the bit for the upcoming season after the Summer of 2020 saw limited cricket in the West of England and across the country. The emergence of ‘Cricket Bubbles’ or 'Mini Leagues' were formed to allow local clubs to play each other in a concentrated array of fixtures. An adequate replacement to keep cricket clubs active and open, but one that did not replicate a true season.

What then to look forward to for the cricketers and cricket fanatics in the 2021 season?

Following the Government announcement earlier in the year - Covid-19 Response Spring 2021 - a subsequent statement was released by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in March - the Cricket's return to play This in itself was warmly welcomed by players, clubs, coaches, groundstaff, spectators and officials up and down the country. In the South West, the ECB’s pathway has allowed the return of a full West of England Premier League, and respective county league seasons will take place – a full 18 Saturdays from May until September!

For some, the season has already started in bitterly cold conditions. The Counties have started their opening Championship fixture after a bitterly cold preseason during March. With snow showers and April Showers on the radar, 4 days on the cricket field may not be the most appealing for all, but for many, the return of County Cricket signals the short time to wait for their one’s own seasons beginning – they can almost hear the sound of leather on willow!

Covid-19 still has an impact on the sport, and the regulations- batting lanes, sanitizing after 6 overs, no access to changing rooms and, most regrettably, no cricket teas to begin with - will be adhered to closely for the sake of all involved in cricket. Nevertheless, with preseason for many local clubs beginning this Saturday ‘behind closed doors’ the promise of future games to be played in front of spectators, both to watch the cricket and perhaps indulge in some alfresco food and beverages, will come with great delight. Rest assured, the spectator, some with picnics and children in tow, others with pint in hand and cigarette in mouth, no matter what their setup, they will return to watch their local team, which they have done in years gone by will continue do so.

All things considered, that first crossing of the boundary from the outside world onto the outfield will happen once again this summer, as it has done for over two centuries. The playing area will continue to see two teams in white become the main event on the cricket field and where problems and thoughts of life outside the boundary can be put aside until 'Time' is called at the end of the day's play.

Go well.