'Game-changer' visually impaired cricket sessions

Cricket sessions designed for visually impaired players could be a "game changer" for disabled access to the sport in Surrey, one club says.

Pirbright Cricket Club has launched new sessions this season, with coaches running them with the help of the Surrey Cricket Foundation.

The club hopes that sessions can eventually lead to the creation of a grassroots setup across Surrey.

Chris Smith, head coach at Pirbright Cricket Club, said: "Everyone has the right to play cricket.

"We didn't really have an offering for people with disabilities.

"If we could have two or three clubs playing each other and get other counties involved, it could be an absolute game changer."

Sessions are planned between 18:30 and 20:30 BST on every Wednesday until the end of August, the club said.

Smith said there was nowhere else in Surrey yet offering visually impaired cricket at a club level, with the game currently only played in this format at county level.

Visually impaired cricket is played using a size three football filled with ball bearings, which helps players to track the ball through sound.

Bowlers shout to let the batters and wicket keepers know that they are about to throw the ball, and more emphasis is put on talking and communication.

Leanne Harvey, who captains Surrey's visually impaired cricket team and plays for England, helped to coach the first session.

She described it as "a very audible game".

"Awareness of visually impaired cricket has been up and down, but in the sense of getting more girls involved it has definitely improved," she added.

"I would say to anyone wanting to play to come and have a go. There's no pressure to have played before, and it soon becomes a sport that is for everyone."

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