"It was like waiting for Christmas" - reflections on a historic day for disability cricket at Lord's

 

 A Historic Day for Disability Cricket at Lord's: Reflections from Kathryn Jelfs-White and Chris Edwards

Published : July 28  2024  

By  M.k.karikalsozhan  Blog Reporter

 Setting the Stage for a New Era

On Monday, July 22, the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground made history by hosting the first-ever elite game of disability cricket on its main pitch. This milestone event featured a T10 Visually Impaired (VI) exhibition game, including England Men’s and Women’s VI players and special guests like Mark Nicholas and Adam Hills. The excitement continued with a 40-over match between the MCC and an ECB Chair’s XI, a pan-disability team featuring players from England Men’s Physically Disabled, Learning Disabled, and Hearing Impaired squads.

 Celebrating Inclusivity

The day wasn't just about the on-field action. Spectators were invited to engage in various taster sessions around the ground, with cricket superstars Ben Foakes and Nathan Lyon joining in the fun. Hosted by the MCC and the ECB, and supported by Lord’s Taverners, the event provided young people with the opportunity to experience cricket, reinforcing the sport's inclusive spirit.

 Voices from the Field

**Kathryn Jelfs-White**, captain of the England Women’s Visually Impaired team, shared her thoughts on the momentous day:

_"Playing at Lord’s was a dream come true. The atmosphere was electric, and it was incredible to see so many people coming together to support disability cricket. This event marks a significant step forward in recognising the talent and dedication of disabled cricketers. I hope this inspires more opportunities and greater visibility for the sport."_

**Chris Edwards**, captain of the England Men’s Learning Disability team, echoed similar sentiments:

_"The historic day at Lord’s was a testament to how far disability cricket has come. It was an honour to play on such a renowned ground and to be part of an event that highlights the inclusivity of cricket. This experience will undoubtedly inspire future generations of disabled athletes."

 Looking Ahead

The success of this event at Lord’s signifies a promising future for disability cricket. The visibility and recognition garnered through such prestigious platforms are crucial for the sport's growth. Both Jelfs-White and Edwards are optimistic about what lies ahead, envisioning more opportunities, greater participation, and continued support for disabled cricketers.

 Inspiring the Next Generation

As the curtains closed on this historic day, the impact was clear. The celebration of talent, inclusivity, and sportsmanship at Lord’s set a powerful precedent. It reminded everyone that cricket is a game for all, regardless of physical or mental challenges. The hope is that events like this will become regular fixtures, driving the sport towards a more inclusive and diverse future.

**A Historic Day for Disability Cricket at Lord's**

Chris Edwards stepping onto the Lord's outfield felt like a moment from a dream. The whole day was filled with surreal experiences, as he became one of the first disability players to play at this prestigious venue. For him, the anticipation had been building for months, akin to waiting for Christmas. The reality of the day was even more incredible than he could have imagined.

**The Build-Up and Nerves**

The anticipation for the event had been palpable for four or five months. The thought of playing at Lord's added an extra layer of excitement and nervousness. As the day approached, the sense of anticipation grew stronger, intensifying the experience. When the day finally arrived, the significance of the occasion made every moment even more memorable.

**On-Field Achievements**

Despite the nerves, the team managed to deliver a stellar performance against the MCC. Every player contributed, with Ronnie Jackson making history by becoming one of the first disability players to score 50 at Lord's. Chris himself had memorable moments, including a caught-and-bowled and scoring 12 runs. The team paced the game perfectly, securing a victory with overs to spare.

**Celebrations in the Long Room**

After the game, the team gathered in the iconic Long Room to celebrate their historic achievement. Speeches were made, and the sense of camaraderie and accomplishment was palpable. Ben Foakes presented each player with a commemorative cap, marking the significance of the day. Chris's parents were present, adding to the personal joy of the occasion.

**The Significance for Disability Cricket **

This day was more than just a game; it was a massive step forward for disability cricket. For those unfamiliar with the sport, the event showcased its importance and potential. The support from the MCC and the ECB is crucial in driving the growth of disability cricket, not just in the UK but globally.

**Personal Fulfillment and Future Aspirations**

For Chris, playing at Lord's was a dream come true. Walking through the Long Room and onto the pitch was a moment he will cherish forever. The joy and excitement of the day were evident in his demeanor, as he spent the entire day with a smile on his face.

With this historic day behind him, Chris now looks forward to the Disability Premier League (DPL). The upcoming matches promise more excitement and challenges, and Chris is eager to see how his team will perform. The ebb and flow of the games make the DPL an exciting format, and Chris hopes to build on the success and joy of playing at Lord's.

**Looking Ahead**

As the focus shifts to the DPL, the memories of the day at Lord's will remain a source of inspiration and pride for Chris and his teammates. The historic match at Lord's has set a new benchmark for disability cricket, and the future looks bright for the sport. The anticipation and excitement of that day will undoubtedly fuel Chris's passion and determination in the games to come.

**A Memorable Day at Lord’s: Kathryn Jelfs-White’s Unforgettable Experience**

Walking into Lord’s, the iconic cricket ground, Kathryn Jelfs-White was filled with a mix of excitement and honour. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone grinning from ear to ear, and a few even shedding tears of joy. It was a day that would take time to fully sink in.

In the moments leading up to the match, Kathryn received surprising news: she was to open the batting. With just ten minutes to process this, there was no time for nerves to set in. She steeled herself and stepped onto the field.

The experience of walking around Lord’s was surreal. The ground, with its historical aura akin to the Colosseum, was usually off-limits. But now, Kathryn was stepping out to the crease, ready to make her mark. Scoring her first run at Lord’s was a moment she would cherish forever.

However, her time at the crease was brief. A few deliveries later, she was bowled out. Whether it was nerves, the speed of the male bowler, or the slope from the Nursery End, she couldn’t say. Jokingly, she told Gareth Jones, the bowler who got her out, that she’d never speak to him again.

The day was also marked by camaraderie and support. Adam Hills, who was on her team, joined in enthusiastically. Kathryn had a meaningful chat with him, appreciating his genuine interest and pertinent questions.

Kathryn’s journey to cricket began later in life. In her thirties, she was introduced to visually impaired (VI) cricket by a friend who worked for a blind charity. From there, her involvement grew, leading her to this remarkable day at Lord’s.

She hopes that the match will serve as a showcase for VI cricket, drawing more attention and participation. Grateful to the ECB for the opportunity, Kathryn sees this as a significant step towards a brighter future for VI cricket.