Skipper Sam Steps Up For England Duties

Skipper Sam Steps Up For England Duties

Warwickshire's Access squad skipper Sam Wyles has been selected in England's 15-man squad to play Pakistan in the first ever International Physical Disability Series in Dubai in February.

Twenty-one year-old Sam - who has mild cerebral palsy in his left side - is captain of the Warwickshire Access side, which is formed of players with either a physical disability or learning difficulties. He will travel to Dubai for three 40-over matches and two twenty20 matches at the ICC Global Cricket Academy.

Commenting on the announcement, Sam said: "Being selected for England is a great honour for a cricketer at any level, andit’s still not sunk in despite receiving a confirmation letter in the post from former England legend Mike Gatting, who is now the England & Wales Cricket Board's Managing Director of Cricket Partnerships.

"I was very nervous about selection as my trial match for the England squad didn't exactly go according to plan. But thankfully the selectors looked into my form with Wythall - in the Warwickshire League - as well as my performances for Warwickshire Access. I can’t wait to join up with the England squad and hopefully I'll get the chance to play for my country in February."

Sam was named Player of the Year for Wythall last season; a club that he's played at with his father Andy since he was 13. He's represented Warwickshire Access in in the British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities Championship since he was 15.

Martyn Collis, Coach of the Warwickshire Access team, said: "Sam has been an integral role of the Warwickshire Access team for several years. He loves the game, makes new players feel very welcome within the side and is a great captain.

"He's worked incredibly hard to make improvements to his game, and his selection for the England Physical Disability squad will hopefully inspire many other members of the team to vie for international honours."

The Warwickshire Access team side train regularly at Edgbaston under the guidance of Cricket Board coaches. Everybody who qualifies is welcome irrespective of ability. Details of training sessions are available on request from collismartyn@aol.com.