Watch: James Anderson celebrates wickets with physical distancing, uses hand sanitiser during warm-up gamev

International cricket is all set to resume following the enforced break due to the Covid-19 pandemic in less than a week’s time as England will host West Indies in the 1st of a 3-Test series at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton from July 8.

While cricket-hungry fans will get live-action back on the television screens, the sport is not going to be the same in the wake of the pandemic.

A first glimpse of what is in the store was on display during the opening day of the 3-day intra-squad practice match between Team Buttler and Team Stokes at the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday.

England fast bowler James Anderson got back into action straight away as he bowled the maximum number of overs for Team Stokes on Day 1 of the practice match. Anderson stole the show as he got the ball moving both ways and picked up 2 wickets while conceding at less than 3 runs per over.

Hand sanitisers, gloves and physical distancing: Major talking points from Day 1

While Anderson’s return to action was a major talking point, the way he celebrated wickets in the wake of the pandemic grabbed the spotlight. There were no hugs or high-fives as Anderson made sure there was proper physical distancing when he celebrated his wickets with his teammates.

Cricket is back and @jimmy9 is taking wickets!

Live Stream: https://t.co/hTUxHpQqJZ pic.twitter.com/u2hi62hYet

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 1, 2020

Anderson used his elbow to celebrate without touching his teammates at the Ageas Bowl. England’s leading wicket-taker was also spotted using hand sanitiser in between overs during the practice match.

Even the substitute player who helped by carrying drinks onto the field was wearing gloves.

@englandcricket Photo

The England players made sure they followed International Cricket Council’s guidelines for safe return of the sport in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The ICC said “celebrations with body contact” and sharing equipment, including towels, could pose risk and should strongly be discouraged. The cricket body also urged players and umpires to maintain physical distancing on the field and off it.

It’s different, but it’s back pic.twitter.com/DKFQxRZRam

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 1, 2020

One of the major changes that is expected to make a big impact is the ban on the usage of saliva to shine the cricket ball. Several cricketers and experts have already voiced out their concern, saying the saliva ban will comes as a setback for bowlers.

Anderson, Overton shine for Team Stokes

Meanwhile, Anderson ended up picking 2 wickets in his 18-over spell as he and Craig Overton shone with the ball on Wednesday for Team Stokes.

Team Buttler finished Day 1 on 287 for 5 after uncapped Gloucestershire opener James Bracey scored 85 along with key contributions from Joe Denly and Dan Lawrence.

Skipper Stokes bowled 8 overs and kept it tight without finding a wicket on Day 1 while Moeen Ali and Leach bowled 15 overs between them. While Overton picked up 2 wickets, right-arm pacer Saqib Mahmood was given 15 overs on the opening day of the practice match.