Western Australia’s top cricketers with a disability competed at the Commonwealth Bank International Cricket Inclusion Series in Brisbane, in their return to the international stage for the first time since the pandemic began.
The National Blind Squad were the undisputed stars of the tournament, completing a clean sweep over trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in the first bilateral series since 2010.
The Blind Squad featured a record four West Australians: Brad Brider, debutants Ryan Honschooten and Michael Berg, and Matt Cameron.
Cameron provided one of the series’ most memorable moments with his maiden international century, blasting 125 runs from 63 balls including 19 boundaries. He finished the campaign as Australia’s second-highest run-scorer (289 runs at 289; strike rate 191.4) and was dismissed just once in five innings.
Australia Blind vice-captain Brad Brider said the return of the competition means a lot to players.
“When we opened our kit, went to find our baggy greens, it definitely means something special.”
“It’s a young group; our average age is about 25-26 and that’s including a couple of oldies. So there’s been a really great vibe going on,” he said.
Two West Australian players in the National Deaf Squad, David Melling and Matthew Shenton, were guided by WA Cricket’s Job van Bunge in the role of Assistant Coach.
The Aussies are sure to be hungrier than ever next year after the England Deaf side created history to claim the Ashes for the first time.
Brilliant allrounder Melling starred in Round Five by dragging his nation across the line in a Super Over, after both teams finished their allotted 20 overs on 106.
Melling took 1-4 and affected another run-out before knocking off the five-run target in three balls to claim Player of the Match honours. Earlier, during the game’s first phase, Melling tallied 24 and collected 1-10 from four overs.
Veteran opener Boyd Duffield put in a solid performance for the National Intellectual Disability Squad in Round Seven with 31 runs off 42 balls, including 4 fours.
The series stalwart also had the pleasure of presenting fellow West Australian Sean McGowan with his baggy green.
McGowan thanked the WA Cricket Foundation for providing a pathway for him to continue to grow and improve his game.
“I’d like to thank the Foundation for helping us to play a lot of cricket, so we can get better and better all the time,” he said.
For International Inclusion Series results visit MyCricket.
