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 T20s, hit a local ground at Boisar in Maharashtra’s Palghar district along with some domestic players.
The Maharashtra Govt 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.
“Yes, we practised today. It was good and definitely pleasing to practice after two months,” Thakur said. An official said that that the Palghar Dahanu Taluka Sports Association started the net sessions at Boisar, which is around 110 kms 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,” the official said.
Mumbai batsman Hardik Tamore, who made his Ranji debut for the domestic giants last season, was also seen training at the same ground.