England begin tri-series with double-header against Pakistan and Bangladesh
Friday 6 July 2018 13:53, UK
Iain Nairn, the captain of England's Physical Disability XI, told Sky Sports Cricket his side's battles away from the game ensure they never believe a cause is lost on it.
Speaking at a T20 double-header with Cambridge University - a set of matches serving as preparation for the upcoming tri-series against Pakistan and Bangladesh, which begins on Sunday - Nairn spoke about the rapport he and his team-mates share and how they refuse to be defined by their disabilities.
"There is a bond in this team that is different to any other team I have played in," said Nairn, who had his right foot amputated as a toddler. "There isn't a single person who hasn't had a challenge in some way, shape or form.
"When you are down and out in a game you know you are not down and out and still have a chance. We've overcome things worse than someone needing three off the last over.
"I always think with disability it's what you make of it or make excuses for. We've been brought up just to get involved."
Nairn says the ECB is "leading the way" in disability cricket with the organisation also running visually impaired, deaf and learning disability teams.
Former Surrey, Sussex and Warwickshire leg-spinner Ian Salisbury, the coach of England's Physical Disability XI, also gave an insight into his role and the respect he has for his players.
"They don't moan, they just get on because for them that's normal," said Salisbury. "We'd be going 'This really hurts, I can't do it' but they just love it.
"You can't look for their weaknesses, which can be their impairments. You have to make their strengths super-strengths.
"At times as coaches we look at what people can't do - I'd like to think I'm not that way and look at what people can do.
"Anyone who touches our environment is left inspired. I just want to share and express to everyone how wonderful these guys are and what they can achieve."
Sunday 8 July - Barnards Green CC
England v Pakistan 11:30
England v Bangladesh 15:30
Monday 9 July - Kidderminster CC
Bangladesh v Pakistan 11:00
England v Bangladesh 15:00
Tuesday 10 July - Old Elizabethans CC
England v Pakistan 11:00
Pakistan v Bangladesh 15:00
Wednesday 11 July - Kidderminster CC
Vitality IT20 Physical Disability Tri-Series Final 11:00
Friday 13 July - Blackfinch New Road, Worcestershire CCC
University of Worcester Challenge Match
England v Rest of the World XI 12:30
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