WITH The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) giving the green light for the professional men’s county cricket season to begin in a month's time, it may have opened the door to allow Newclose County Cricket Ground on the Isle of Wight some slim hope of staging a top game.

With the success of last year's County Championship match at Newclose between Hampshire and Nottinghamshire still fresh in the memory, the Island venue planned to host a one-day 50-over cup match between Hampshire and Lancashire on Sunday, August 9.

Isle of Wight County Press: Action between Nottinghamshire and Hampshire at Newclose last year. Newclose's trustees will be hoping for a first class cricket match to be played at the Isle of Wight venue before this season ends.Action between Nottinghamshire and Hampshire at Newclose last year. Newclose's trustees will be hoping for a first class cricket match to be played at the Isle of Wight venue before this season ends.

Completely in the hands now of ECB and subsequently, Hampshire Cricket, Newclose are not holding their breath the fixture will go ahead now, with so many variables stacked against it happening — but hopes remain of an alternative.

Hugh Griffiths, a leading Newclose trustee, said: "In August, there are 14 days of international cricket scheduled for the Ageas Bowl, with players confined to the ground and the adjoining Hilton hotel for those days — and a few more either side of each game.

Isle of Wight County Press: Hugh Griffiths, a trustee at Newclose County Cricket Ground on the Isle of Wight.Hugh Griffiths, a trustee at Newclose County Cricket Ground on the Isle of Wight.

"With practice days and acclimatisation, that could leave Hampshire under pressure to host home county cricket, whith July 30 and September 1 internationals not making things any easier.

"As I see it, there may only be a window of about ten days available for Hampshire's home county matches in August, in whichever format they go for.

"If spectators are not allowed into grounds until September, as is generally suggested, Newclose could conceivably be considered for a Hampshire home fixture behind-closed-doors in August.

Isle of Wight County Press: Mason Crane in action for Hampshire against Nottinghamshire at Newclose last year.Mason Crane in action for Hampshire against Nottinghamshire at Newclose last year.

"The need to cross The Solent would be a deterrent though, making a mainland venue easier in terms of cost and logistics.

"On the other hand, the playing surfaces Andy Butler prepares at Newclose are up to first class county ground standards, which means a behind-closed-doors game is not entirely out of the question.

"Bear in mind also that preparing and playing on a sub-standard pitch can incur a points penalty to the home county."

Preparation and planning for the season across the men’s and women’s domestic game remains subject to ongoing advice from government and medical professionals, with the safety of players, staff and officials the overriding priority.

Isle of Wight County Press: Action from last year's County Championship match between Hampshire and Notts at Newclose — the first county game on the Isle of Wight in 57 years.Action from last year's County Championship match between Hampshire and Notts at Newclose — the first county game on the Isle of Wight in 57 years.

The ECB has approved the return to training of men’s first class county players, with plans for the new men’s season to include options for red and white ball cricket.

A dedicated working group with representatives from the first class counties and ECB has been formed to provide specific focus to domestic cricket, while Covid-19 continues to impact on the game.

"There are so many variables and possibilities," Hugh continues.

"However, Tuesday (July 7) will see the result of the county chairmen's vote — at which time, one of the variables will disappear."

The vote will decide on a regionalised first-class competition, with each team playing five group matches followed by a final, and a regionalised 50-over one-day cup, with a final.

"In the week after that, the ECB will doubtless be working on a fixture list for a two-and-a-half-month season of county cricket," adds Hugh.  

"By July 17, it’s highly likely County Championship and/or 50-over matches will have been agreed, along with the T20 fixtures, with most of the venues confirmed.

"It wouldn’t surprise me, at about that time, recreational club cricket would get underway.

"If Newclose and the Isle of Wight emerge from the season with nothing more than 11 v 11 friendly fixtures, that would be good."