This summer England’s physical disability side will compete on home soil in the world cricket series – a landmark tournament for a burgeoning game. Steve Morgan, writing for Wisden Cricket Monthly, went to meet the squad at a two-day training camp in Loughborough.
First published in issue 21 of Wisden Cricket Monthly. Subscribe here
Hit flat, true and accompanied by a brutal whip-crack, the ball is still gathering pace as it thuds against the back wall of the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough. Fifty yards away, the face of Matt Askin is masked by his helmet grille, but he’d be forgiven a broad grin. Ditching his prosthetic arm has given him a new lease of life. Flourishing his bat as if it weighed no more than a cheerleader’s baton, he now larrups it further and faster than ever.
“Our most-improved player over the last couple of years,” enthuses Liam Thomas, vice-captain of England’s physical disability (PD) side. By day teachers, tilers, students, water workers and er, biscuit exporters, the remarkable bond cricket has forged within the team is clear watching them watch each other. “Hitting sixes with one hand, eh?” adds Thomas. “Amazing.” Earlier, left-hander Thomas nailed a succession of lofted drives facing the Merlyn bowling machine with immaculate footwork. His right leg ends just below the knee.
The following month the squads revert to their own regular meets. The next assignment for the deaf squad, who don’t have a major event this summer but, alongside the visually impaired side will compete for the Ashes next year, is a trip to La Manga for an eight-team tournament against teams including Spain, the Royal Engineers and some handy club sides, which they win. The PD squad continue their preparations for August’s World Cricket Series.
I mention to Matt Askin that time has raced by – 48 hours gone in what seems like five minutes. “Yeah,” he says, smiling broadly. “I never want to go home.”
