England vs New Zealand Edgbaston Test and Royal Ascot confirmed as next fan pilot events

Fans have not attended England cricket matches since the glorious summer of 2019

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Will Macpherson26 May 2021

England’s Second Test against New Zealand at Edgbaston and Royal Ascot have been confirmed as pilot events in the second phase of the Government’s trials for the return of crowds.

Standard Sport revealed on Tuesday that the Test had been chosen, with Warwickshire CCC confirming the news that they would be able to welcome approximately 18,000 fans per day, which represents 70 per cent of the stadium’s 25,000 capacity.

Royal Ascot, which takes place between June 15-19, also confirmed on Wednesday morning that it was part of the Events Research Programme. The iconic race meet will welcome 12,000 spectators.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told the Standard on Tuesday that the first round of pilots – which included events as broad-ranging as the FA Cup Final and Brit Awards – had been “a real success” that had seen just 15 cases of Covid-19 across 58,000 attendees.

The Test match and Royal Ascot are the first events to be announced, with more set to follow, which will raise hopes among fans and across the sports and entertainment industries that full houses might be possible by mid-summer. Football fans will have a particular eye on Euro 2020, much of which is due to take place on these shores this summer.

Fans will return to international cricket in England for the first time since the legendary summer of 2019 next week. England’s First Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, which starts a week on Wednesday, will continue in line with current Government regulations, meaning the 28,000-seater ground will be at 25 per cent capacity.

Those attending the game at Edgbaston the following week will be required to present a negative Covid-19 test from the previous 24 hours, with masks required while moving around the stadium.

“Whilst public health is the priority, the first stage pilots have shown how people can safely start to enjoy the things they love; live sport and music,” said Stuart Cain, Warwickshire’s CEO. “It will be great to welcome cricket fans to Edgbaston and give the England team a huge boost as nothing beats the atmosphere that crowds create here.”