Surrey’s friendly against Middlesex sees the Oval host the first event with spectators since March

The Oval was set up with social distancing guidelines and regulations as it hosted the first test event with spectators since March.

Alternate rows were used and advisory signs were on show for a friendly match between Surrey and Middlesex, with a limited number of members in assigned seats in a mostly empty stadium.

Surrey and Middlesex will use the match as practice before the season starts on August 1 but the sporting world will be focused on the success of the event in terms of the spectators.

The Oval hosted the first test event with spectators since March in a two-day friendly

Surrey were hosting Middlesex as alternate rows were used and advisory signs were on show

It was expected that 1,000 fans have and will attend the two-day friendly, which is one of the government’s pilot schemes for the return of sport. 

The two London counties will then meet on Saturday at the same ground in the first round of the new four-day competition The Bob Willis Trophy.

They have not met in first-class cricket for two seasons following Middlesex’s relegation to Division Two three years ago. 

But the trophy’s regional structure will see both sides compete in the six-strong South Group.

Middlesex will play their two home games at Radlett, with Lord’s unavailable. Surrey have three home games, against Middlesex, Kent and Sussex.

The Oval was set up with social distancing guidelines and regulations as it hosted the event

There were a limited number of members in assigned seats in a mostly empty stadium

The two counties will then meet on Saturday in the first round of the new four-day competition