It doesn't surprise me the August 1st date, I don't think it is a coincidence that, that is the date the Furlough scheme changes and the Counties will probably have to start paying some of the players wages.
Also if you think about it the ECB only really have to get The Blast played to satisfy Sky's TV deal.
It also leaves the ECB to focus on getting the Tests started which I understand is taking a huge amount of work. And again this ties in with the TV deal.
As for us mortals, the government will decide our fate, the Junior vs Senior debate is a very curious one. I can see what the ECB are saying and why. But as per usual they have no clue about reality. Social distancing 50-100 colts would be interesting and who do they think are running the sessions anyways etc... etc....