Don’t rule out a whitewash in the tri-series!

Age: 26 Team: England Learning Disability and Essex

What did it mean to you to be selected for the INAS Disability Tri-Series?

It was brilliant when I found out I’d been selected for the Tri-Series, just like when I found out I’d been selected to travel to Australia a couple of years ago.

We haven’t held a series in England for quite a long time, so everyone’s looking forward to it.

All my family’s coming up to watch me. I play in front of them quite a bit, so I’m used to it, but they’re over the moon that I’m playing for England.

How are you feeling about playing against both Australia and South Africa?

In Australia, we beat them 5-1. I’d like to say we can do that again but you never know what they’re going to bring over.

A few of the lads have played South Africa before so maybe they know a little bit but I’m not sure – I’ve been told they’re quite a tough opposition.

There’s a few Australia batters who are difficult to bowl against but if you get the top order out quickly, they all just crumble, so I’ll be aiming to get the first five out.

How has cricket helped with your disability?

I grew up with ADHD and it’s never disappeared. I was about sixyears-old when I found out about it.

On the outfield with your mates and sometimes family, it clears your mind because it’s set on the game of cricket.

What does it mean to you to represent England?

I’ve been playing for England for five years. Being selected for England is my career highlight, as well as my 7-19 in Australia in the last Tri-Series.

We had just lost the game before so Derek (Morgan), our head coach, told us where we went wrong and where we could get better, so we had an extra training session and came into the game fully prepared.

We went out onto the field and I took seven wickets – I couldn’t believe it was happening.

I would tell people with disabilities to play cricket and not give up, if it’s something they want to do. For me, all the hard work has paid off.

Finally, what are England’s aims during the triseries?

England’s aims for this tournament are to keep hold of the trophy and not lose a game, so a whitewash. I think that’s possible because we’ve got a very strong squad and we are capable of doing it.