Shardul becomes first India cricketer to resume outdoor training

Palghar (Maharashtra), May 23

Pacer Shardul Thakur on Saturday became the first India cricketer to resume outdoor training after a two-month coronavirus-forced break.

Thakur, who has featured in one Test, 11 ODIs and 15 T20Is, hit a local ground at Boisar in Maharashtra's Palghar district along with some domestic players.

The Maharashtra Government has allowed opening of stadiums for individual training in green and orange zones without spectators. This was after the Home Ministry offered relaxation in restrictions for the fourth phase of the lockdown till May 31.

"Yes, we practised today. It was good and definitely pleasing to practice after two months,” said Thakur.

An official said the Palghar Dahanu Taluka Sports Association started the net sessions at Boisar, which is around 110km away from Mumbai.

Strict safety protocols were followed, with each bowler getting his own set of disinfected balls.

"All the safety measures were followed. The bowlers got their own balls which were disinfected and temperatures of the players who came for practise were also checked," said the official.

Mumbai batsman Hardik Tamore, who made his Ranji debut for the domestic giants last season, was also seen training at the ground.

"Once the guidelines from the Palghar District Collector (state government) was issued concerning sports, it was always the aim to begin training process," said Ajinkya Naik, council member, Mumbai Cricket Association.

"Due to our fantastic facility in Palghar district, we were able to facilitate much-needed training programme for our esteemed players while adhering to social distancing norms and hygiene," Naik added.

All sporting action in the country has been halted since March 25, when the first nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus outbreak was announced by the Central Government.

Top cricketers like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have resorted to home workouts to keep themselves fit during the lockdown, are still waiting to resume individual training.

Only India pacer Mohammed Shami has been able to train outside, on his farm land.

On Thursday, England's Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes became the first set of cricketers to return to individual training at their local county grounds. PTI