WORCESTERSHIRE'S warm-up for the return of county cricket will also be used as a test for the safe return of spectators.

Following discussions with the England & Wales Cricket Board and the Government’s Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), the game between Worcestershire and Warwickshire at Edgbaston on July 28 will be part of a pilot programme for fans to return to games.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddlestone welcomed the news, saying: "It’s brilliant news that supporters will be welcomed back to Edgbaston for Warwickshire v Worcestershire as part of the pilot series.

"Many of us have felt the void of being unable to go and watch live cricket during lockdown, so I am pleased that we are moving forward with our plan to help sports venues reopen their doors to fans."

Warwickshire Members will have the opportunity to apply for a limited number of complimentary tickets to watch the second day of the Bears men’s team red ball friendly match with Worcestershire at Edgbaston on Tuesday 28 July.

Craig Flindall, Interim CEO of Warwickshire CCC, said: "We’re thrilled to play our part in the Government’s pilot programme and for Warwickshire Members to be amongst the first to gain entry to a live sporting event since March.

"We have good space and excellent facilities at Edgbaston to support this first stage trial. Our ticketing and operations teams are now working closely with our partners Secutix and The Ticket Factory to create a safe and socially distanced match day operation, and it is very exciting that this process can support the wider return of spectators at live sports events.

"We will continue to work closely with the ECB and DCMS as well as the Sports Ground Safety Authority and Birmingham City Council on our delivery of this fixture."

Warwickshire Members will need to claim a complimentary ticket to gain access to this pilot day of the friendly match with Worcestershire on Tuesday 28 July, which will operate with a limited capacity and through a reserved seating model.

Further details will be released at Edgbaston.com and emailed to Club Members when the process has been confirmed.