University Side Hopes for Double Against England Mixed-Disability Cricket Team
Friday, 12 September 2025
The University of Worcester’s Men’s Cricket Team will be hoping for a repeat of last year, as they prepare to face an England Mixed Disability XI at Ombersley.
Photos from the last time the two sides clashed in 2024
The match will see elite England players from three disability groups (physical disability, learning disability, and hearing impairment/deaf) take on a non-disability team from the University.
The match will take place at Ombersley Cricket Club on Tuesday, September 16.
The fixture is a repeat of last year’s encounter, in which Worcester secured a convincing win. Batting first, Worcester posted a competitive total of 202 all out in 37.3 overs. In reply, England were bowled out for just 94 in 26.4 overs.
Student Ritchie Harley will be playing for the University of Worcester side. He said: “We’re really excited to have England back, and we’d love to come away with a win.”
The fourth-year Integrated Masters in Cricket Coaching and Management student said: “It means a great deal to say you’ve represented your university against England, and the experience feeds into my coaching and what I can deliver professionally. It means we come out of the degree with lots of skills that have been enhanced through experiences like this.”
Ritchie said: “We’re aiming for a victory, but more importantly we’re just really happy to continue with this really strong relationship we have with the ECB.”
Ian Martin MBE, Head of Disability Cricket at the England & Wales Cricket Board, said: “We’re delighted to be asked back to play another fixture against the University of Worcester at Ombersley.”
He continued: “Our players have enjoyed a very successful summer, beating India 6-1 back in June in the first ever Mixed Disability Series, and many will have been part of the recently completed Toyota Disability Premier League.”
As England’s disability squad gears up for a crucial winter tour, Ian sees the University match as a timely opportunity: “Looking ahead, we have a winter tour to India at the end of January and the players will use the fixture against the University as a final opportunity to stake their claim for a place in the touring squad.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk