Yes indeed, a tea towel will do the job well, I just got some silicone mats to make the whole surface black (so I can see dirt and crumbs easier) and non-slip. It also does some sound absorption to reduce the noise level, but it isn't a huge effect.

The sourdough was unscathed, which was the problem, it deflected the knife better than my weak human flesh. Attempt 2 was successful, the sourdough was great, and it is a standard loaf which replaces all other bread so it became Vegemite toast, tuna salad sandwiches, boiled egg mashed with butter toast, and a vessel for butter with sausages. It is also gluten free, made with brown and white rice, buckwheat, and tapioca starch. Finally got sourdough working with gluten free flour, no xantham gum needed, just a touch of psylium husk (2g/500g).