Fred’s hoping England disability team success will build Bridges
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Bridges was part of the 15-man squad which won the inaugural Red Cross International T20 Tournament for people with physical disabilities in Bangladesh.
The 24-year-old spinner ensured he shone in the showpiece against Pakistan on September 10 as he was named man of the match after ending with figures of 4-24.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said: “I was really impressed with all the teams, lots of natural talent, lots of flare, they were not afraid to play their shots, so moving forward the standard was really high,” he said.
“It was inspirational playing on the field as each individual cricketer has a different story to tell.
“The way this tournament has grabbed everyone’s attention both overseas and in England, I see no reason whatsoever that there will not be a World Cup in the next couple of years.
“Hopefully the more publicity we get the more countries come on board and play this game of disability cricket.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“It was a really good experience to travel to the sub-continent to play some really good cricket and come away from the tournament as winners was probably one of the best tournaments in my life really.”
England and Pakistan were the only two countries to field physical disability cricket teams in competitive fixtures prior to this event.
They were joined by India, Afghanistan and hosts Bangladesh at the competition and it’s hoped it leads to a World Cup in the coming years.
England lost their opening game against Bangladesh but went on to beat India, Pakistan and Afghanistan in the group before beating Pakistan once more in the final.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHorsham council sports coach, Bridges added: “It is probably up there as one of the best achievements in cricket personally; obviously making an international debut is something special.
“However, I think to win an international tournament oversees with a group of guys you have been working with for four, five years, you cannot really beat that as an experience.”
To find out more about any of ECB’s four disability programmes, visit www.ecb.co.uk and search disability or email [email protected]
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHere are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1 Make this website your homepage
2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex
3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex
4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!