Don’t leave us stumped, First Minister

Cricket Clubs in Montgomeryshire are calling on First Minister Mark Drakeford to ease restrictions around the sport to allow them to play in the Shropshire League from July 25.

England has given the green light for the sport to resume with restrictions in place, but the Welsh clubs that compete over the border fear that they could be left out.

Welshpool, Newtown, Llanidloes, Montgomery and Guilsfield & Llandrinio cricket clubs all compete in the Shropshire League.

The England and Wales Cricket Board issued their guidelines last night and they were met by frustrated pleas from local clubs.

“Why are these guidelines only for England?” said a Newtown CC spokesperson. “Surely these can be adopted for Wales? (It’s) Putting us and other clubs at risk of been excluded from Shropshire league this year.”

Llanidloes backed their neighbour’s comments by saying they “100% agree” with Newtown and that they “still don’t know where we stand”.

And a Guilsfield & Llandrinio CC spokesperson said that the club was “ready to play” with the wicket and outfield kept in check throughout lockdown.

Should Wales still block the go ahead for competitive cricket, the Shropshire League has already mooted the idea of Welsh clubs playing away games until they get the green light to play at home.

First Minister Drakeford is expected to announce more loosening of lockdown measures tomorrow.

You can view Wisden’s look at the new guidelines for recreational cricket here.