South Africa hopeful to begin training next week after govt approval

Johannesburg:The South African cricketers are hopeful to be back to training from next week  and may part of an exhibition event at the end of the month, waiting for government approval.

The probability of resumption of outdoor training arose after the country moved to Level 3 of the five-stage lockdown on Monday.

The Level 3 of the five-stage lockdown allows non-contact professional sports training and matches to take place, after approval from the sports ministry.      

Cricket South Africa (CSA) hope to submit their plans this week, with a view to resuming training next week, according to report in ESPNCricinfo.

As per the stage-wise resumption of training, CSA first wants franchise cricketers to hit the ground in accordance with the ICC guidelines, which prohibit the usage of saliva on the ball.

CSA will later assess whether it is possible for players to travel across provincial borders for camps and eventually matches.

According to the report, CSA is planning to orgainse an event, "which we have not seen before."

South Africa are also due to host India for three T20s at the end of August and are looking at creating a bio-secure bubble for the series, which will take place behind closed doors. (UNI)