Kent player named in England Deaf Squad for Ashes Series

ECB today named the England Deaf squad for the forthcoming tour of Australia in January 2011.

The squad, which includes Kent“s Stefan Pichowski (pictured), will play one Test match during the Ashes Series for Deaf Cricketers, followed by two One Day Internationals and three Twenty20 matches as part of a Tri-Series against Australia and South Africa in Geelong.

England will be looking to win back the trophy, currently held by Australia, after their last encounter in 2008 ended in a draw. The Ashes Series for Deaf Cricketers date back to the early 1990“s, which signalled the start of the May/Craven Trophy for the winners and was the forerunner to the first Deaf World Cup in 1996.

Ian Martin, ECB National Disability Cricket Manager, said: “Everyone involved in deaf cricket in England is looking forward to the forthcoming series and the challenge that playing against Australia in Australia brings. The last Ashes series for Deaf Cricketers was very close and we are looking forward to a well fought contest. We are also looking forward to the Tri Series involving South Africa, whom we have not faced for a few years. We have some new faces in the squad and a new, but experienced coaching team with the opportunity to bring two titles home. The squad are well prepared and ready for the challenges that lie ahead.”

England Deaf squad to tour Australia: Umesh Valjee, Middlesex (Captain), Paul Allen, Derbyshire, Saul Allison, Surrey, Liam Backhurst, Durham, Matt Clinton, Yorkshire, James Dixon, Lancashire, Matthew Everett, Essex, Stephen George, Devon, George Greenway, Devon, Chris Hughes, Warwickshire, Stefan Pichowski, Kent, James Schofield, Gwent, Darrell Sykes, Yorkshire, Michael Weathersby, Glamorgan, Andrew Wood, Yorkshire

Match schedule: The Ashes Series for Deaf Cricketers
17th to 19th January, Test Match at Geelong Grammar School

Tri-Series between England, Australia, South Africa
All matches to take place at Geelong Grammar School
21st January, ODI, Australia v South Africa
22nd January, ODI, South Africa v England
23rd January, ODI, Australia v England
24th January, T20, South Africa v England
T20, Australia v England
26th January, T20, Australia v South Africa
T20, England v Australia
27th January, ODI Final