The gentle sound of leather on willow returned to Swindon on Saturday after the government gave the go-ahead for cricket matches to resume.

Swindon Cricket Club, which plays in the shadow of Swindon Town FC’s County Ground, organised two 20-over games - with the sides chosen by first team captain Marc Williamson and chairman of cricket Adam Tucker.

Mr Williamson said it felt good to finally get back onto the cricket square. “Very strange, obviously. It’s been a long time out. It’s good to finally get out there and play the great game we love,” he told the Adver.

“It’s been hard not knowing what was going to happen this year. It’s been the first season in 18 years I’ve not trained and played every week.”

The leagues in which Swindon play are expected to resume matches on July 25, with groups of teams forming local “bubbles”.

Clubs are expecting strict health and safety guidance. Players will be asked to maintain their distance from each other. The ball will be sanitised every six overs and players will be stopped from rubbing spittle into the leather in order to create a better shine and help different bowling styles.

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Sides made up of Swindon players enjoy an informal knockabout on Saturday Pictures: DAVE COX

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