Flexibility key for start to cricket season

However there will be a definite delay as the statewide lockdown not only impacts player preparation but that of grounds.

Before the lockdown was introduced three weeks ago, the season was set to start on October 16.

That is expected to be pushed back.

Operations manager Paul McKelvie has asked clubs to be flexible in their approach for the start of the season.

"We're pretty much in the lap of the gods really," McKelvie said. "Hopefully we will just be ready to go when we are allowed to go.

"We were looking at October 16 but that is definitely not going to be possible, mainly with pitch preparations.

"Curators can't get out and work on pitches at the moment as they risk fines so even at this early stage I wouldn't think we could start until early or mid November.

"But that obviously could change."

The prospect of the football codes extending their seasons into October also raises more issues for pitch preparation with Robertson Oval, Harris Park, Rawlings Park and McPherson Oval all utilised by other clubs throughout the winter.

READ MORE

McKelvie has indicated the grand final will be set a week later this season, with March 27 pencilled in at this stage.

With Australia Day falling on a Wednesday this season there will also be the opportunity to play straight through following the Christmas break.

"There are a lot of unknowns at the moment," McKelvie said.

"We're just planning for different scenarios and I've asked the clubs for flexibility in regards to start dates and formats."

McKelvie would like to see three rounds of cricket able to be played, which equates to 15 rounds before finals.

However it remains to be seen if the Twenty20 competition, which was a standalone affair utilising both weekends and mid-week fixtures in January will be able to be fit into the schedule.

"There are 12 weekends after Christmas if we go until the 27^th (of March)," McKelvie said.

McKelvie also indicated the junior competition is likely to start before the seniors.

Without needing turf wickets there is not as much preparation required.

While there is plenty of uncertainty, one thing is for certain.

One-day cricket will be vogue once more under Cricket NSW's COVID guidelines across all levels.

Meanwhile there is still one unfilled position on the Wagga Cricket board following the resignation of Kerry Geale.