Surrey v Hampshire T20 Blast clash open to fans as pilot scheme resumes

Members are permitted to attend the match at The Kia Oval on September 3 as the return of spectators to sporting events continues

• Bob Willis Trophy and T20 Blast fixtures to welcome fans as part of government pilot scheme

Surrey will allow a number of members to attend their T20 Blast clash with Hampshire as part of the government's pilot scheme to return spectators to sports events amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The match at The Kia Oval on September 3 will be the first professional cricket match with fans since the project was permitted to resume from August 15.

Members of Surrey CC are able to make an application to attend free of charge. Tickets will allow access to the 1845 Stand, with two seats between each household or social bubble while alternate rows will be used.

Though there will be a reduced attendance, the match represents the resumption of the pilot scheme ahead of October 1 - by which time the government hope all sporting venues could be partially filled.

The Oval and Edgbaston previously participated in the initial trial, however, it was curtailed after the government rowed back on a number of lockdown measures following a spike of cases of coronavirus.

However, it has now been deemed possible to resume the scheme. The Women's Super League and rugby's Premiership are also returning fans to venues, while the St Leger Festival at Doncaster will be among three horse racing venues to allow fans to return.

It is hoped the scheme can be extended across the Blast season, with a view to matches in the Bob Willis Trophy also being used to trial the scheme.

Edgbaston remain hopeful fans could yet attend Finals Day - the blue-riband event on the domestic cricket calendar - on October 3.

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