ENGLAND Visually Impaired cricket team’s T20 captain Luke Sugg insists he was delighted with his side’s performances in their recent home series against India, despite failing to get one over the world champions.
England failed to win a game in the home series against the reigning T20 and One-Day world champions, in which they played three matches in each of the two formats.
However, despite failing to beat their visitors for the first time in 13 years, Redditch’s Sugg – who was named England’s Disability Cricketer of the Year in May – was proud of his team’s efforts and praised the young members of the squad.
The England skipper also spoke of the great support the team received during the series, which included playing in front of around 300 people at Surrey’s Kia Oval.
“It was an incredible team performance by all of us,” said Sugg.
“It’s probably one of the best team performances I’ve ever been a part of for the England side and I’ve been playing for England for 11 years.
“We’ve got young players coming through who are taking wickets, scoring runs and taking full responsibility.
“Some of them are only 18 or 19 but they’re stepping up which is great.
“It had a massive impact on all of us. Every game was different. When we went to Wolverhampton we had a big crowd, but the Oval was phenomenal. Playing at a big venue, a Test venue, was incredible and the support was as well.”
Sugg, who plays his domestic cricket for Warwickshire Bears, praised the impact of head coach Ross Hunter and his assistant John Cook as England have improved dramatically since he made his international debut aged 14.
Now 25, Sugg has much to look forward to as England will play Australia in the Ashes in February before a T20 World Cup in India next year and the skipper cannot wait to get going.
“The key reasons for our upturn in fortunes is the belief Ross and John are showing in all of the players and the willingness they’ve shown towards all of us,” added Sugg.
“If you tell them what you want to try, they will support you 100 per cent and they’ll help you with extra sessions if you need them.
“Our main goal is the One-Day World Cup in three-and-a-half years’ time. We’ve given a good account of ourselves against the world champions and this is just a stepping stone.
“We want to win the Ashes back which is our main focus for the next nine months, but the ultimate goal is to win the World Cup.”
If you or someone you know is interested in Visually Impaired cricket you can e-mail [email protected] or visit www.bcew.co.uk. To stay up to date with the England Visually Impaired team visit www.ecb.co.uk.
