Almanac Cricket: ACS – Australian Deaf Cricket team

 

Earlier this year, the Australian deaf cricket team travelled to India for an historic tour. It is a great story of cricket lovers finding a way, despite their issues with hearing, to stay involved in the sport, and compete for their country. Unfortunately, the series didn’t quite go as well as the Australians hoped, with India winning both the tri-series involving Australia and South Africa and then the ODI series, 3-0, against the Australians. Two members of that squad, Callum Asbury and Jake Floyd, spoke to me about their introduction to deaf cricket, what it means to play for Australia and what they wanted people to know about the team and its players.

 

Callum first became involved in deaf cricket when he was 17 years old. “The captain at the time asked me if I wanted to play cricket, in which I said ‘yes’ straight away, as I love playing the sport, ever since I was a baby. I then made my debut in the NCIC 2017 (I was 18 years old). I enjoy deaf cricket as it is a sense of community, especially in the deaf world, it feels as it is belonging and part of my culture,” Callum said. For Jake it was a friend of his who introduced him to the sport. “My mate Harry Bell, who I play deaf football with, plays for Cricket NSW. He asked me if I would be interested in playing deaf cricket and put me in contact with Deaf Cricket Victoria.”

 

It is very clear that this team has created a strong culture. “I love the team work and spirit that everyone brings to the game,” Callum explained. “It allows opportunities to create lifelong friendships on and off the field. In which it can bring light hearted banter, and that’s what I strive my cricket off.  It’s enjoyable and it’s fun!”

 

Jake feels similarly. “Just being around 12 other guys who have been in the same boat as me, understanding what each other have been through being able to bounce off each other communicating in sign language” he said. “It brings a smile to my face every time I cross the line with these guys.”

 

As you can imagine, debuting for your country is a big moment but both men didn’t really sense it coming. “I didn’t really think of it, at the time.” Callum said. “I made my debut in the Deaf ICC World Cup 2018 in India – it was an amazing experience, and I immediately played the first game. The culture, the experiences and the cricket were just unreal. I absolutely loved it!”.

 

Jake recalled the exact moment he was told he would play for Australia. “It was the morning of the grand final at the National Cricket Inclusion Championships. Jess – the team manager – gave me a call to ask me for some details.  The thought came to mind but I still didn’t think I would be picked in the squad,” Jake said.

 

Callum and Jake each named teammates they felt people should know more about. Callum named Angus Pike. “I believe that everyone has great cricketing abilities, but what excites me as we have a 16-year-old, Angus Pike, who is coming with us for the first time. He’ll be a great asset to our team with his batting, has sweet timing on the ball and can play shots all around the ground.”  Jake picked out Harry Bell. “[He is] from NSW, he’s really handy with the bat and can make a lot of runs. He also plays deaf soccer; he is a very good soccer player.”

 

It truly is great to see how all members of this team have been able to overcome difficulties to compete for Australia and to enjoy sport. They have found an avenue where they can still receive all the rewards that playing sport can give . This team isn’t well known, even within cricket circles and Callum would love to see that change. “It’s the inclusiveness and makes us feel part of Cricket Australia and what they want us to strive to be, as elite deaf cricketers!”

 

These players really are the elite of the elite, and there is little doubt, regardless of the result, they will continue to inspire and do the country proud. Both men were really hopeful for the Indian tour, and while it didn’t pan out the way the team would have liked, positive lessons can still be taken away from the tour.

 

We hope that the Australian team will continue to improve and show true sporting spirit going forward.

 

 

More from the Australian Cricket Society can be  read Here

 

To return to the www.footyalmanac.com.au  home page click HERE

 

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help keep things ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

 

Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE