THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has optimistically paved the way for a return to normality next summer, planning for the return of fans at international fixtures and taking the sport across the country once again.

A full calendar of men’s fixtures and one women’s series were salvaged this year despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, but the necessities of the bio-secure bubble meant that every game was held behind closed doors.

Just three venues staged matches, with Old Trafford and Hampshire’s Rose Bowl used for men’s internationals and all five T20s against West Indies Women played at Derby.