WYTHALL’S England international Sam Wyles is hoping next month’s first multi-team physical disability cricket tournament will ultimately lead to a much-needed World Cup.
Previously England and Pakistan were the only teams to face each other in the sport but now India and Afghanistan will be joining the duo and hosts Bangladesh at the Red Cross International T20 Tournament for people with Physical Disabilities.
Wyles is part of an England team which have lost their only two international series against Pakistan, in 2012 and 2014, but that won’t stop the 25-year-old from heading to Bangladesh full of confidence.
The former Woodrush High School pupil said: “Hopefully we will win the tournament.
Obviously India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are unknown to us but we have proven we can compete with Pakistan and we were a little unlucky the last time we went over there not to come home with the win so hopefully we will bring home the cup.
“I can’t wait for it to start. It has come around pretty quickly and this is the first time that we have had a tour that is in our cricket season so it is one that I am looking forward to the most.
“It has been good to play against Pakistan but it will be good to play against a few other countries as well and see what they are like. It is a pretty exciting time to be involved with the sport.
“Hopefully this will help lead to a World Cup. There are going to be five countries involved in this tournament and there are a few more to get involved yet. Hopefully if Australia and South Africa get a team together then they can jump on the back of the publicity for this and hopefully it won’t be too far away.
“Having a World Cup would be massive for the sport. It is what is being worked towards so if it was to come together then it would be pretty special to be involved with it.”
At the inaugural international competition in Bangladesh England will play all four teams between September 2 and 8 as part of a league table, with the top two taking part in the final on the 10th.
Wyles has missed most of Wythall Cricket Club’s season after tearing a tricep in training but returned to full training a few weeks ago and played his first game at the weekend.
The development coach at Worcester CC added: “I started the season well before getting injured at a frustrating time so I’m raring to go.
“I started back in full training over the last couple of weeks and being able to throw the ball again and bat has been nice. I can’t wait to get out there again.”
- Keep up to date with the England PD team in Bangladesh, at www.ecb.co.uk or follow @ECB_Cricket. All County Cricket Boards are running disability cricket programmes, email [email protected] to get involved.
