Bob Willis Trophy schedule revealed
Kent will travel to Chelmsford to take on Essex in the opening round of fixtures in the Bob Willis Trophy, 2020’s domestic first-class tournament in England & Wales.
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The ‘Battle of the Bridge’ is one of five four-day matches in the one of three regionalised groups, including six teams all playing each other once. All matches will hold full-class status, but the competition is separate from the County Championship.
The two group winners with the most points will then compete in a five-day final of the competition.
Three of Kent’s five group fixtures will take place behind-closed-doors at The Spitfire Ground, St. Lawrence in Canterbury, including the Club’s final fixture against Hampshire on 6th – 9th September.
All of Kent’s home matches will boast an enhanced live-stream on the Kent Cricket website, and the Club can confirm that radio commentary from BBC Radio Kent will be integrated into the live stream from the 2020 season.
Highlights of each day’s play are also set to be made available online on-demand.
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A special edition women’s domestic 50-over competition will also be staged this summer, featuring the eight new teams in the women’s elite domestic structure.
The competition will also be regionalised, into two groups of four teams, with the group winners meeting in a final. The staging of this competition reflects the ECB’s commitment to continue the journey to professionalise the domestic game for women.
Fixtures for the women’s domestic competition are set to be announced alongside confirmation of the full schedule for the Vitality Blast next month. The Vitality Blast will commence on 27 August.
Kent Cricket’s CEO, Simon Storey said: “Today’s announcement of the Bob Willis Trophy fixtures marks the long-awaited start to the 2020 Men’s domestic season that many Kent Cricket fans have been waiting for.
“The players and coaching team have been working exceptionally hard to ensure they are ready for the start of the season and we are looking forward to returning competitive action.
“Three months ago, we were concerned that we might not have any season at all, so this is good news for our members and supporters.
“I understand why some fans will be disappointed that the season, for now, remains behind closed doors, but the safety of the players, staff, members and supporters has to remain our priority.
“To ensure Kent supporters are able to follow the action, we have developed an enhanced live stream solution that will incorporate BBC Radio Kent’s commentary.
“This will be available for all of Kent’s non-televised home fixtures and will be accessible through our website. We hope as many of our members and supporters will join us on-line and watch Kent take to the field once again.
“Coupled with the recent announcement that some of Kent Women’s players will be involved in the newly formed Women’s regional competition this summer, it is good to see cricket coming back.”
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