Kev’s Disability cricket adventure
Getting involved in Disability cricket can be incredibly rewarding. We spoke to Cricket Shropshire’s D40 wicket-keeper/batter Kev Baker about his experiences.
It has seen him score lots of runs, play at some of the top grounds in the country and go viral on social media thanks to one of the catches he took in the Disability Premier League which featured on Sky.
After playing club cricket in the West Midlands for many years including in the Birmingham League, he underwent emergency surgery in 2015, as Kev explains.
Story behind joining the Shropshire D40 side
“In 2015 I underwent emergency surgery (total colectomy) to form a stoma after years of suffering with inflammatory bowel disease. Whilst in recovery, I made it a target of mine to get back to playing cricket, and to the same standard I had done before. I became aware of the ECB film around the Physical Disability team tour of Bangladesh in 2015 where they became World Champions which fueled an ambition to try and get myself an England cap. I contacted Richard Hill of the ECB, who in turn contacted the Cricket Shropshire (my nearest D40 / hardball playing county), and the rest is history…
“I made my debut for the D40 side at the start of the 2017 season, and have been involved in various capacities for Shropshire ever since then – player, vice-captain, D40 team manager. In addition, I have played in the Disability Premier League since the ‘trial’ season in 2021.”
What opportunities has it opened up?
“I’ve had so many experiences that I wouldn’t have done normally. Playing on some First Class grounds for Shropshire – the National D40 final at Arundel Castle, and a Shropshire game at Northamptonshire’s Wantage Road County Ground.
“It’s given me the opportunity to meet so many fantastic people, work with some brilliant coaches and travel throughout the country playing cricket as well as taking part/being interviewed on various podcasts and radio shows. Partly as a result of the disability cricket, I have become a global ambassador for Coloplast, the market leading company that provide the stoma products that I use.
“In addition, since becoming part of the Disability Premier League I have been able to train at locations such as the Edgbaston Indoor School and the National Cricket Performance Centre at Loughborough as well as playing in the 2023 Final, live on Sky Sports from the Incora County Ground in Derby.
How do you find disability cricket – challenge/competitiveness/ team?
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started playing disability cricket, but soon realized that the standard is high in most cases. The games are hard-fought and competitive, but generally played in the right spirit. There’s also a genuine camaraderie between team-mates and (in most cases) opposing teams which is really refreshing. Ultimately, the disability game can now provide a level for just about anyone – the opportunity is there to progress through the pathway from county to DPL to international teams if the ability and desire is there; alternatively the chance to play some competitive cricket of a good standard also exists. I can be whatever you want it to be as a player.”
How about the Shropshire D40 Side?
“A good, and very supportive group of talented cricketers and really good people. Excellent coaching is available, and there’s a real team ethic and spirit. I’ve had the chance to meet people, become part of a team, get physical and mental exercise and to improve / develop a range of skills. We need reinforcements to enable us to develop, compete and also to continue to ‘punch above our weight’.
What is it like playing in the DPL/what experiences have you had?
“The DPL has been an incredible experience for me personally. From being involved in the pilot competition, attending the initial winter training camps, being selected in each of the three seasons as well as being on the winnig side in 2023.
“The opportunity to train with, as well as play with and against the best cricketers with a disability in the country has been so enjoyable. Training at facilities like Loughborough and Edgbaston, access to top class coaches as well as support from physios, strength and conditioning coaches and psychologists has been such a learning curve and something that I would recommend to anyone. Playing on Sky Sports in the 2023 was a real highlight of my cricketing career, and one that was an amazing experience.
“Being involved in the competition is something I would recommend to anyone, the ECB is investing heavily in this area of the game and will continue to do so to push England to the forefront of the disability game.”
What was it like going viral after the DPL final?
“Absolutely surreal! We’d not had access to our phones whilst the game was on, so when I picked mine up once we were back in the changing rooms I’d got the best part of 200 notifications/messages. It’s a catch I’ve taken (and dropped) plenty of times before, this one just happened to be on TV. After that….the world went crazy for a little while! I had professional wicket-keepers and journalists contacting me to congratulate me, an article for the BBC sports website, pictures in Wisden Cricket Monthly and a mention in the Wisden Almanack to name a few, which was all pretty mind-blowing!”
Favourite cricketers?
Favourite cricketers across various eras – Bob Taylor, Ian Botham, David Gower, Jack Russell, Robin Smith, Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, Andrew Flintoff, Ian Bell, Alastair Cook, Shane Warne, Jos Buttler
Anything Else?
“Just to say – if you’re thinking about playing (or getting involved in) disability cricket – do it! You won’t regret it.”
If you want to find out more about getting involved in Disability Cricket in Shropshire, contact Disability Officer Tyler Ibbotson via tyler.ibbotson@cricketshropshire.co.uk
