VISUALLY impaired cricketers performed their version of the game during a break in the Ashes test at Chester-le-Street today. 

Durham Vision Impaired Cricket Club played during a break in proceedings between England and Australia, just before a heavy downpour forced them to seek shelter from the elements.

The squad consists of 13 players, male and female, of varying sight levels with some fully blind, who use a ball with a ball bearing in so players can hear it coming.

Carl McGee, 26, from Stanley, said: “It was brilliant. I thought we did really well.

“The team spirit was really good and everyone had a chance to bat and bowl.”

The side won the 2010 Spirit of Cricket Award at the Blind Cricket England and Wales Development weekend and in 2011 the team played in the 30 over British Blind Sport Cup away to Hampshire, as well as several friendlies as well as the development weekend.

Last year, the team joined the North and East Development League, as well as playing in the BBS Cup and the Bill Frindall Memorial T20 Cup.

Later this year the team will be taking part in a Development T20 tournament.

Mr McGee added: “The crowd was really supportive. They were quiet when we needed them to be so it has been really good.”

Source: The Northern Echo