England Deaf Cricket team went out to Australia for 16 days for the International Cricket Inclusion Series competition against Australia. UKDS had a chance to discuss with James ‘Jimmy’ Dixon the bowler for England Deaf Cricket team.
Jimmy first played for England in the Deaf Cricket World Cup in Lucklow, India in November 2005 where England finished runners-up. Jimmy made three appearances for England in the group matches against Nepal, South Africa and Bangladesh and was 12th man/super sub for the semi-final v Australia and final v India. Jimmy was then selected to play for England Deaf Cricket team against Pakistan in August 2006 and made two One Day International appearances and a 20/20 appearance.
He also was selected for England Deaf National Squad in the Deaf Ashes Series against Australia on July 2008 for 2 Tests matches, A 20/20 match and 4 One Day International matches.
After winning the Ashes for the first time for England. Jimmy says ‘I felt that I was really happy and very chuffed when we won the Deaf Ashes in the first time for England Deaf Cricket’s history for 30 years without being the Ashes winner, and I was really overwhelmed when I arrived home from Australia with lots of video messages from a few England Professional players as Joe Root and Jofra Archer’ for their praise and congratulations!’
England Deaf Cricket are now waiting to hear from Deaf International cricket council for next year’s Cricket World Cup in Dubai so they can get prepared. Keep an eye out!
So Jimmy….
- How long have you been involved with England Deaf Cricket?
I started to be involved in England Deaf Cricket since 2005 as my debut for them in Deaf Cricket World Cup 2005 in Lucknow, India. It was a really good experience there.
- How long were you in Australia for the inclusion series competition?
We were in Australia for the competition for 16 days including training days and a few days rest including going to the Gold Coast and the City of Brisbane to explore this city.
- How does it feel winning the Ashes?
I was really happy and very chuffed when we won the Deaf Ashes for the first time in England Deaf Cricket’s history for 30 years. I was really overwhelmed when I arrived home from Australia with lots of congratulations messages from some England Professional players such as Joe Root and Jofra Archer, including video messages giving their praise and congratulations.
- What’s next for England Deaf Cricket?
At the moment, we are still waiting to hear from Deaf International Cricket Council regarding the next year’s Deaf Cricket World Cup in Dubai 2023 or 2024, we will be getting prepared and looking forward to it.
Twitter: @deafcricketUK
Facebook: England Cricket Association for the Deaf