Introduction

It has been a turbulent year, stained by tragedy, but there is light in sight.

BY SAM MORSHEAD

From March 29 in England, as Covid-19 restrictions began to be eased, team sports were allowed to resume outside, and that means the club cricket season should be able to start on time.

While packed clubhouse bars might still be a little way off, the chance to be among friends playing the sport we love is a major boon for the cricket community.

The experience of club cricket might not return to the normality we once knew immediately, but if the past 12 months have taught us anything, it is to recognise the value of things we took for granted.

And it is in that spirit that The Cricketer introduces its Club Cricket Guide for 2021.

The recreational game is covered with great care and attention: from training tips to nutrition guidance, groundskeeping hacks to advice on balancing the books, juniors’ cricket, the women’s and disabled game, umpiring, and so much more.

Contributions come from a host of figures in the know across the professional and amateur worlds, and there is a very special batting masterclass from the great Ian Bell.

Plus, we review the latest kit on the market to give you the inside track as you restock your bag ahead of the new season.

It is the definitive guide to the new cricket season. And it’s yours, for free, only on TheCricketer.com.