Visually impaired cricketer Matt Page is relishing the prospect of playing at the Kia Oval when England play India in a blind cricket T20 next week.
The match is just one of a six game series which will see the two sides play three One Day International games and three T20s.
The game at the Oval will be played under the lights and Page is looking forward to batting his best in the prestigious venue.
The 24-year-old from Uxbridge said: “It’s massive. To get the backing of Surrey, the ECB and to have the opportunity to play at the Oval during the season on a professional wicket shows people that if you get to the top of your sport, you can play at the best venues in the world.
“It’s an opportunity to see a high level of sport. There will be big shots, fast bowling and it’s free to watch.
“Preparation has been good. We’ve been meeting up more frequently and getting time out on grass which is important this time of year.
“Individually I’ve been working on certain shots to practice playing against where their bowlers aim.”
India are the current T20 and One Day world cup holders and England haven’t beaten them since 2002, however Page feels if England can get some early wickets they could be contenders.
“From playing them before, we know they have a few key batsmen so if we can get those wickets we have a good chance of bowling them out.
“We can bat throughout in the starting 11 which is a real strength and our opening bowlers are good. We’ve also got some good all-rounders.”
The young Englishman will be playing alongside Luke Sugg who won the Disability Cricketer of the Year award earlier this week.
Meanwhile Nathan Foy, who is widely regarded as one of the world’s best B1 players, and Rob Comber return to the England squad after missing the One Day World Cup in South Africa last year.
Page believes it is a big boost to the team to have both men back in the squad.
“Nathan and Rob are two players who missed out in Cape Town. Rob is a born leader so to have him back in the squad is very important,” he said.
“Nathan with his experience and his cricketing knowledge, he is the only English player in the squad to have played and beaten India which was back in 2002.”
All the games are free to watch for spectators and you can follow the team’s progress at www.ecb.co.uk or by following the ECB on Twitter and Facebook.
Fixture list:
Sunday May 24, 10.30am: ODI – Leamington Cricket Club
Monday May 25, 10.30am: ODI – Wolverhampton Cricket Club
Thursday May 28, 5.30pm: T20 – The Oval
Friday May 29, 10.30am: ODI – Arundel Castle
Saturday May 30, 10.30am and 2.30pm: Double header T20 – Arundel Castle
