England deaf seek to avenge 2004 Ashes defeat

5 March 2008

England Cricket Association for the Deaf

England’s deaf cricketers will be determined to avenge the Ashes whitewash of 2004 when the Australian deaf squad arrive in the UK this summer for a full programme of Test, ODIs and Twenty20 cricket.

Since they were subjected to a demoralising 5-0 series defeat four years ago, the ECAD (English Cricket Association for the Deaf) national side has turned the tables and developed into one of the strongest deaf teams in the world.

In 2005, England were runners up in the Deaf World Cup in India losing out in the final to the hosts and the following year, held Pakistan to a home draw in rain affected Test and ODI series.

England - runners up in Deaf World Cup 2005

A lack of international fixtures in 2007 allowed England players to focus on their games in the National Indoor Cricket Deaf Super Four 2007, won by West of England and in two regional tours, including a training session at Somerset CCC’s HQ in Taunton.

But on Tuesday July 8th, England, led by captain Umesh Valjee will start their Ashes campaign against Australia in Southport at the First Ashes Test hosted by Southport & Birkdale CC in Birkdale.

Between then and Friday July 25th, the two teams will play a further Test at Colwyn Bay in Wales, one Twenty20 match at the same venue followed by four ODIs at Walmley, Worcester and Milton Keynes. Click on document for more information2008 Fixtures for the ECAD national and development squads (34 KB)

Prior to the start of the series, there will also be a programme of friendly matches for the ECAD national and development squads.