Disabled cricketers, including blind and deaf players, are keener than ever to show that the only boundaries for them in the sport are those around the outfield.

The proof, they hope, will arrive in the first summer of the next millennium.

Two Basildon men are currently in the Essex team set to play in the biggest ever inter-county venture for disabled players.

Michael Symons, the wheelchair-bound secretary of the Essex Disabled Cricketers Association, explained: "We've been having talks with the national cricket board with the aim of setting up a league next year with quite a few other counties."

The Essex team includes Ralph Dennerley, of Basildon, whose leg problems mean he has difficulty walking, as well as a cerebral palsy sufferer and wheelchair-users.

Symons said: "An important part of our set-up is to encourage disabled people to be more positive in general life.

"We have close links with charities and groups like Essex Social Services, and can try and help people in things like employment.

"We hope there are more players in south Essex who want to join us. Graham Gooch is the president of our association and is very supportive."

He added: "We use a softer ball than in typical cricket, the wickets are just 18 yards long, and players in wheelchairs only have to go halfway down the wicket to score a run.

"In this county, we get good backing from the cricket boards of England and Wales and Essex County, as well as sponsorship from Great Eastern Railway.

"At England level, the hope is to hold an international tournament, as there are teams in Australia and South Africa. England have already played Wales."

Meanwhile the fledgling Essex team came third in a tournament near the end of last year in Surrey, an event won by the ultra-powerful hosts, with Sussex and south west England also competing.

Symons said: "In London there are also teams of deaf and blind people. Deaf players tend to be very fit and can bowl very hard, whereas blind players use a special bat and a ball with bells in."

Disabled crickets seeking more details can ring Symons on 01621 851008.

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