England deaf side facing Seaton Carew challenge

22 May 2006

England Cricket Association for the Deaf

England CAD skipper Umesh Valjee pictured with England's Kevin Pietersen

England CAD begin the warm-up for the summer series against Pakistan with a match against Northern Universities SC-CC Elite at Seaton Carew CC on May 25 in the Northern Rock International Challenge.

England CAD features the country’s leading deaf cricketers, who performed magnificently in reaching the final of the World Cup in India last November.

The match provides preparation for their upcoming international series with Pakistan, where they will be fielding two players from the North East in Ben Young (Gateshead Fell CC) and Blyth Duncan (Percy Main CC) as well as being coached by Ron Young from Durham County CB.

England CAD are actually represented in both sides as Ben Young has taken up his place in the Northern Universities side after training with the club throughout the winter making himself the number one selection for the wicketkeeping position.

NUSC-CC Elite is a revolutionary new sporting club, combining all the talents of the six Northern Universities in partnership with the local community including a futures programme creating an establishment to challenge the leading North East, British and ICC sides backed by Northern Rock.

Director of Cricket for NUSC John D. Holland, overseeing the club’s development, commented: “With the combined support of Northern Rock, our players, coaches and the community we have created a unique programme in university and community sport.

“The whole club is proud to be helping England prepare for their series against Pakistan.”

The ‘Northern Rock International Challenge’ starts at 11:00 am at Seaton Carew CC playing 50 overs under ICC rules. Entry is free and refreshments are available throughout the day.

If there are any deaf cricketers in the North East or anyone who would like to find out more about the England CAD please contact their Chairman Stefan Pichowski on stefan.pichowski@fsmail.net or visit their website www.ecad.uk.com

England v Pakistan fixture schedule 2006:

August 8 - 1st ODI, Gidea Park CC
August 9-11 - 1st Test, Wickford CC
August 13-16 - 2nd Test, Gidea Park CC
August 17 - 2nd ODI, UK Paper
August 18 - 3rd ODI, Norton CC
August 20 - 4th ODI, UK Paper