Disability

It’s been a successful summer for England’s Learning Disability side

Back in July, England Learning Disability won both the 40-over and T20 elements of the INAS Tri-Series, ending unbeaten in both formats, and then paraded the trophy at Lord’s. Skipper Chris Edwards reflects on an incredible summer and the future.

England cricket has had a great summer, what have you made of it?

It has been a fabulous summer – it is fantastic that every team is recognised in the same light and to show how strong we all are. It has been great to show the English public how successful the English game has become; not only disability cricket but the women winning the World Cup, too.

You were able to parade the Tri-Series trophy at Lord’s, how special was that?

That was a great moment, it was just the icing on the cake and a great reward for all the hard work everybody has put in. It has been one of the busiest summers for all of us for a very long time and to end it at the home of cricket was a great moment.

How did it feel to walk around the Home of Cricket?

I was a bit nervous but also very excited, too. The main worry for me was making sure I didn’t fall over! I didn’t want to make a meal of myself at Lord’s – that would’ve been embarrassing. Getting round in one piece in the rain was fantastic.

Winning the Tri-Series was a phenomenal achievement, how special is the team you have?

Every single one of them are absolutely brilliant. They are all ambassadors in their own local areas and are a credit to their county teams and local clubs too. They all have that passion for cricket and all share the love of the game. That is very important in how we work.

How do you keep the momentum going over the winter?

We’ve already started back up in training and it’s all about keeping the confidence going until we head to Brisbane for the next Tri-Series in two years’ time. It has been a very positive summer and everyone has been getting excited, so it’s now about how we handle that positivity and the pressure that comes with success.

Do you have any personal goals for the next couple of years?

The aim is to keep pushing myself and play to the best standard I possibly can. That for me is the most satisfying aspect. I was quite happy with my performances during the Tri-Series but I always want to do more for the country.

Can you remember a better summer for LD cricket?

I can’t think of a better year for learning disability cricket, apart from maybe the TriSeries win in 2011. This has been built from that and it’s just got bigger and bigger. I cannot wait to see how much it can continue to grow over time.

How do you hope to see learning disability cricket grow in the next five years?

I’d like to see more nations get involved.We have got to start promoting it in our country as well as in South Africa and Australia where the game is more established but I’d like to see more countries take part and one day have a World Cup – that’s the dream.