As things stand, all cricket in England is suspended until May 28, as per the ECB’s directive. And while there is no saying when there will be a return to normalcy, the ECB is preparing for the eventuality that sport gets the green light from the UK government once the peak of the virus subsides, even if it allows for only a part of the English cricket season to take place, behind closed doors.

“We’re mapping out what international matches would look like behind closed doors,” Steve Elworthy, the ECB’s director of events, said. “The advice around mass gatherings [before the lockdown] was 500 people or fewer. That was guided by the potential impact on critical services like paramedics and doctors.

“One thing you have to consider is the national mood,” he said. “You might be able to deliver a match, but would it be the right thing? Operationally, we believe we can deliver anything, but we have to have an eye on that. You don’t just operate in a bubble, you need peripheral vision.

“[And] making sure everyone is in a safe environment, is front and centre of the discussions. We have had good conversations with the new chief exec of the Professional Cricketers’ Association, Tony Irish, as well as county directors of cricket. Player and official safety and comfort is paramount.”