ECB have today announced a 16-man Visually Impaired (VI) squad for their upcoming tour of India.
The side will take on World champions India in three IT20s before competing in a Tri-Series against India and Sri Lanka.
Sam Murray returns to the squad after taking time out of the sport to become a Para-Rower for Team GB.
Darren Paddick has been called up for his first tour after impressing in the Academy and in domestic cricket. A captain for the tour will be announced in due course.
England will be looking to test themselves against two of the best sides in the world in the Tri-Series.
All three teams made the semi-finals of the last IT20 World Cup in 2017, with India going on to lift the trophy on home soil.
England VI Head Coach Ross Hunter said: “This tour is an exciting opportunity for our squad and the players to continue to develop. Our ultimate goal is to win the next World Cup and to do that we need to be able to compete against the very best.
“We feel that the 16 players we have selected all have the ability to win games for England. This trip will help push them forwards and we are looking to see how they perform under pressure against two great teams. We want players who can develop into World Cup winners.”
ECB Head of Disability Cricket Ian Martin said: “This will be another important tour for the squad. Taking on two of the top sides in the world will give a great indication as to where they are as a group and the progress they have made.
“This tour is another step forward for disability cricket. Visually Impaired cricket in particular continues to grow internationally thanks to strong support across the global cricketing community and the work of the World Blind Cricket Council.”
England Visually Impaired squad
B3
Justin Hollingsworth - Warwickshire
Ed Hossell - Somerset
Luke Sugg - Warwickshire
Jimmy Millard - Sussex
Dan Field - Sussex
B2
Matt Dean - London Metro
Matt Page - London Metro
Sam Murray – N/A
Rory Hossell - Somerset
Gareth Jones - London Metro
B1
Nathan Foy – Warwickshire
Pete Blueitt - Yorkshire
Amin Afshari - Kent
Mo Khatri - Warwickshire
Mark Turnham – Warwickshire
Darren Paddick – Surrey
IT20 Bilateral Series India-England
2 October 1st IT20 India-England (Bangalore surroundings)
3 October 2nd IT20 India-England (Bangalore surroundings)
4 October 3rd IT20 India-England (Bangalore surroundings)
IT20 Triangular Series India-England-Sri Lanka
6 October India vs England (Belgaum/Hubli)
7 October India vs England (Belgaum/Hubli)
8 October India vs Sri Lanka (Goa)
9 October England vs Sri Lanka (Goa)
10 October India vs Sri Lanka (Goa)
11 October England vs Sri Lanka (Goa)
12 October Semi-final (second v third)
13 October Final