Former NSW captain Scott Jones to deliver blind cricket program to Central Coast schools

With a ball and stumps that rattle and special “experiential” glasses to level the playing field, the hottest summer sport coming to the coast this winter is blind cricket. Read how it works here.

Not only can blind cricket raise awareness about disability and demonstrate the importance of inclusivity in sport, it’s load’s of fun.

That is the message of former NSW blind cricket captain Scott Jones who is delivering a 90-minute blind cricket program to schools across the Central Coast.

Mr Jones, a development officer for disability not-for-profit organisation Social Futures, said the program can develop an awareness of disability and demonstrate how the community can adapt and be inclusive to all through sport.

“The rules of blind cricket are based on standard cricket rules, with a couple of key modifications — the ball is hard plastic and filled with ball bearings to provide audible cues,” Mr Jones said.

“The wickets are made of metal and have the ability to rattle when shaken to identify their location.”

Mr Jones said the game was “loads of fun to play” and not limited to those with sight impairments.

“Every student can take part in this interactive game. When I visit school, I also have a short chat about disability awareness and inclusive sports,” he said.

“When playing blind cricket, we use experiential glasses that replicate the experience of vision impairment and when deprived of an essential sense, vision, players are prompted to find new skills as they play.”

Mr Jones said just like normal cricket, in blind cricket there were 11 players in each team and under competitive rules there must be at least four players who are totally blind and seven partially blind players.

Mr Jones is a former NSW blind cricket captain. Picture: supplied

That seven includes a minimum of three players with less than five per cent vision and minimum of three players with less than 10 per cent vision.

“Other differences to blind cricket are that verbal signals are widely used both by umpires and players,” he said.

“The bowler must ask the batsman if he is ready and shout ‘Play!’ as he bowls the ball, and they must bounce at least twice when bowling to a completely blind batsman but only once to someone with partial sight.”

“All methods of dismissal are in play including bowled, caught, LBW (leg before wicket) and stumped. Totally blind batsman are scored two runs for every one run they achieve.”

Mr Jones said any primary schools who would like to host the program are encouraged to contact Social Futures: 1800 522 679 or via email: [e-mail].