Josh Price – Black Cats (Deaf)
One of the standout England players of the past few years, Josh Price is somewhat of a talisman for the England Deaf side.
The reigning Lord’s Taverners Disability Cricketer of the Year, Price is a stylish, attacking top-order batter who’s more than capable at changing games with the ball too.
Last year, Price was a key part of England Deaf’s first victorious tour to Australia in 30 years and took 11 wickets in the inaugural DPL, captaining The Hawks.
Gregor & Monty McKenzie – Tridents/Pirates (Physical Disability)
The brothers from Hampshire were both part of the victorious Tridents side in the 2022 DPL, and whilst the brotherly love was on show last year, this time the pair get the chance to battle against each other.
Younger brother Monty has made the move to the Pirates and will be hoping to get one over on Gregor and take his side to their first DPL title.
Both brothers have a genetic defect called ARVC, which affects their hearts. Managing this involves ensuring their heart rates don’t exceed certain levels, which restricts their movements on the cricket pitch. With running between the wickets not recommended, Gregor and Monty have licence to tee off at the crease, which leads to some entertaining innings.
Dan Bowser – Pirates (Learning Disability)
Monty will be able to learn a thing or two about big hitting from his Pirates teammate Dan Bowser, who has made a name for himself around the world with his swashbuckling style.
When he gets his eye in, Bowser has the ability to score big and to score fast. In one particularly memorable innings for England LD in 2017, the left-hander scored an incredible century, moving from 50 to 100 in just 12 balls in an awesome display of power hitting.
Get yourself down to one of the fixtures to watch Bowser in action for yourself, but don’t park your car too close to the boundary!
Matt Askin – Tridents (Physical Disability)
Perhaps one of the most recognisable disability cricketers of his generation, Matt Askin not only brings incredible skill to the field, but also a wise head for his teammates to learn from.
Years ago, Askin used to bat wearing his prosthetic left arm, but found it restricted his movement and ability to score. Once he took his arm off, batting with just his right hand, his cricket career was revolutionised.
Spectators are often left shocked at just how much power Askin can put through the cricket ball as he dispatches deliveries over the boundary with relative ease. And proving it’s not all about big hitting, he also possesses a lovely square cut for any deliveries wide enough outside off stump.
In real life, Askin is a PE teacher, and that ability to nurture talent is evident when he’s around a cricket team. While he may not play in every match, Askin’s value to a squad is more than just his runs on the pitch. He’s the ultimate team player and one that his Tridents teammates will learn a lot from this summer.