3 days ago
England's new mixed disability squad to take on India in T20 series
England's newly formed mixed disability cricket squad is ready to take on India in the first international T20 series this month.
Player Brendon Parr expressed confidence in the team, made up of players from the learning disability, physical disability, and deaf squads.
The players have been practising at Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club (BSCC), which has been praised as "amazing" by England Cricket Board CEO Richard Gould.
Mr Parr said: "This format is new for all of us; we've been selected from three separate squads and we've all had to learn and adjust our game to take into account different impairments.
"The new format is a trial and this will be our first major tournament."
Mr Parr praised the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for its support and efforts to create more opportunities in disability cricket.
The Devon cricketer's own journey in the sport was interrupted after a road accident left him in a wheelchair.
He eventually returned to cricket, trialled for disability cricket, and in 2024 was named the Lord's Taverners Disability Cricketer of the Year.
He said: "It was a long recovery, but gradually I got back involved, starting at a lower level and playing at a higher division as my body healed and I got stronger."
Both the England and India squads will use BSCC for pre-competition training and warm-up matches.
The new home for BSCC will host the India team from Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 20.
The series will kick off on Saturday, June 21 when India plays the England Men's Mixed Disability team at Taunton.
In January, Mr Parr played for the England Physical Disability squad, which reached the final of the Physical Disability Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka.
He said of the opposition: "They are a tough team to beat, but we are in good form."
Mr Parr, who will be warming up close to home at BSCC, said: "Everyone is very excited.
"To be able to come to Budleigh before the series, with its two pitches and great facilities, new nets, and lovely set-up is a real bonus."
