“It’s the only time I feel equal to everyone else. For a short time, when I’m on that pitch, nobody gives me special treatment. And that’s the way I want it to be.”

The words above are from 17-year-old Jonathan Tiley. Like many young men and women, he is obsessed with sport. Cricket and football are his main loves, but it is the game of cricket that he is making strides in. Jonny currently plays for Mawdesley CC in Lancashire, in the Palace Shield Cricket League. He was about to break into their senior men’s sides this season before the Coronavirus hit, and devastated every sport out there. A promising off-spinner, he had been invited to train with Lancashire CCC last winter, and hoped to gain recognition there over the next few seasons. This of course has been halted indefinitely, until the green light is given to start playing again.

So what makes Jonny’s story different?

What differentiates Jonny’s story from the majority of other sportspeople are the challenges he has overcome to reach this stage. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Jonny’s lower limbs and left side have severe movement and coordination limitations. The result is a dominant right side, and means gripping the bat with his top left hand (he is a right-hand batter) is extremely difficult. Unable to walk without crutches until he was 11, Jonny’s earliest sporting memories are of bowling to his dad and brothers in a wheelchair in the garden, or batting on his knees. Jonny described the frustration of not partaking as he would like was excruciating, and jealousy would kick infrequently. This would include watching his brothers and friends run around in the garden, or his hero Graeme Swann taking wickets on the TV.

The operations…

The summer of 2013 marked a change for Jonny, as he underwent a series of operations to be able to walk and move unaided. This list of procedures is frighteningly long. Jonny’s femur’s were broken and reset, his kneecaps twisted and moved into the correct position, his achilles were released, and his hamstrings lengthened to the correct size. His legs are now held together by plates and wires. Botox has since been pumped into his arms four times, in an attempt to give him more elasticity and movement. It would still be over a year before he could walk unassisted, and the pain as his legs began to set in place was indescribable. The list continues on to this day, as he regularly has to attend hospital for further check-ups and smaller procedures.

The initial process took over 6 months, and a total of 18 hours operating time. It was one of the first of its kind in the UK, and over 10 research reports have been written on the process and his subsequent recovery. Doctors informed him it would still be very unlikely that he would ever be able to play sport. His progress and the bar he has set since has been nothing short of miraculous.

Post one of many operations in 2013

After a year of gruelling rehab, Jonny was in a different place. Now able to walk more freely, (or with the help of his walker), he was starting to enjoy cricket more and found he could partake more openly in the back garden games. However, he would still be confined to his wheelchair by the evening. Walking for extended periods of time was a tiring act and running was impossible. These are issues Jonny still struggles with today. But with a talent for the game, and enthusiasm in spades to match, the back garden dreams became a wonderful reality.

Jonny’s introduction to cricket

His Dad, Patrick, introduced him to Mawdesley CC, the closest team to his Chorley hometown with a dedicated coaching section for disabled cricketers. To give some perspective, Jonny is classed as a level 3 disability, with 1 being the least affected and 4 the most. Due to his movement issues, it would still be challenging for him to play against disabled players of a lesser graded level. However, his cricket skills impressed the coaches enough to put him in the club’s able-bodied u11’s team, and amazingly he is still yet to play a competitive game against other disabled players. In a fantastic twist, he would later spend days at school in his wheelchair or with his walker in a bid to be fresh and conserve his energy for cricket in the evening.

At first, Jonny admits it was impossible for him to adapt to the pace of the game. He would struggle to hit the ball when he batted, and his off spinners could barely reach the other end. Like many children that age, he was still building up the power to be able to play the game. He also had the added challenge of finding a style to get around the obstacles he faced. To this day he still bowls with no run-up, although he is working on potentially bringing one in. His power is generated from his upper body and wrist, and for his quicker ball he has to be careful not to bend his elbow too much.

Batting is a different problem entirely, and Jonny admits this is a work in progress. He struggles to balance, and generating power in his shots is hard, as he can’t move his legs into position freely. When he trained with the Lancashire Disabled Team last winter, the coaches opened his stance and he developed a trigger movement, to try and get more power back into the ball. For fielding, he generally stops the ball with his feet, which any cricketer will tell you is a painful thing to do. It’s one of the many little sacrifices he has to make. Fielding is the area he struggles with the most, but he is working hard on it to be able to contribute.

Performances through sheer perseverance…

Jonny bowling for Mawdesley CC

Through sheer perseverance and will-power, bowling has been the part of his game he has been able to adapt to. He took his first wicket in the u13’s, a year after he started playing. The mobbing from his teammates and the outpouring of emotion is something he said he will never forget. All those hours practising in the garden were beginning to pay off. Incredibly, only two seasons into his short career, he was named bowler of the year for his u13’s team. His stock delivery is now a genuine off-spinner, and he can get enough revs on the ball to get it to spin. He started to set plans for batsmen and think about the game more as his skills improved, and he has been the captain for his u13’s team and the u15’s team since. From the beginning, he has kept a diary of all his games, and has diagrams and field settings set out for certain batsmen he comes up against. The attention to detail is incredible, and it is a pleasure to see why is he is enjoying success. Although his body may not be able to do the same things as other players, the beauty of the game allows people to be outwitted as well as outfought.

Jonny admits to playing the game hard, and isn’t opposed to giving the opposition a word or two either. His first catch is his favourite moment in cricket, against a team he said “I can’t stand, they act like they own the place!” After a firm drive was hit off his own bowling, he caught it to his left, falling over in the process but determined not to drop the ball when his elbows hit the ground. It went against all the doctors advice (he has been warned not to dive onto his legs), but there was no stopping him at this moment. As a captain, he gives his teammates a dressing down in the changing room if he feels they aren’t giving 100%. After speaking at length to him, and seeing his determination and competitveness, I for one wouldn’t like to be on the end of one his hairdryers.

So, what next for Jonny (when cricket finally returns…)?

Once cricket resumes, Jonny will enter into senior cricket, which will present a whole different challenge to the juniors. For a start, he has only played 20 over games, so long days in the field will be tough. He is thrilled to bowl more overs though, so the prospect of this more than makes up for it. If his trajectory continues upwards, then recognition with representative disabled cricket for Lancashire and potentially England may come. In the modern world, there are more opportunities for disabled sports players, and it is a strong possibility that he may able to tour other countries playing the sport he loves. Originally it was about taking part, but you can now hear the confidence pour out in his voice when he discusses his own game. He now feels he can contribute to winning games – and he belongs on the pitch alongside both able-bodied players or disabled players. Sport is the one place as a disabled person he doesn’t feel judged or treated differently, and nor does he want to be. No quarter is given, and none is expected in return.

Sport is the great leveller in society; a place where any person can dominate on their day. As soon as you cross that line, the competitive nature of the game takes over, and you can leave everything behind. Following the current state of affairs, none of us will take playing sport for granted again. For Jonny, it was never taken for granted in the first place.

The post Jonny Tiley – Dare to Dream appeared first on CricX.

For cricket players and aficionados, Australia resembles something of a holy grail when it comes to the sport. A land of sun, beaches, and cricket as a national sport – it’s everything we wish England could be. Going to watch the Ashes down under is on every fans bucket list, but how about actually going to play there?

If you are a club player, this may seem far-fetched. However, in cricket hotspots such as Australia, New Zealand, and a lesser extent South Africa, there are hundreds of deals out there for players of all ages and standards. Cricket clubs are always looking to take on English players to try to improve their team, help with coaching juniors and maintain the social life of the club on and off the field. It is an amazing way to see the world and experience another culture, all the while playing the sport you love and making new mates for life.

I have now played 3 summers abroad, all spent in Australia. I have never played county cricket or minor counties for that manner. However, despite never classing cricket as a full-time occupation, there are still plenty of opportunities out there that are a viable option (both financially and playing-wise) for club players.

The Strength of the Deal & Standard of Cricket

In conjunction with any job, the strength of the contract you receive will depend on your performance and experience. If you are a good 1st XI player and have the stats to back it up, you may find you’ve nothing to pay at all. This could include flights and accommodation, plus a job during the week when you aren’t playing. Negotiating a match fee, or run’s and wicket’s bonus may be possible, but this depends on the individual and what the club can offer.

If you aren’t a 1st team player averaging 40 every season, or you are a junior just making his way through, then fear not. There are still plenty of clubs out there looking for players. Please don’t assume that clubs won’t be interested; you will be surprised at what you can get offered. Although you may have to pay flights or your accommodation, it is still worth it. Your game will considerably improve, plus you will gain an unforgettable life experience.

As an overseas player, be open to the fact you are essentially the club’s main man. The pressure of being the overseas and ’win at all costs’ Australian nature will ensure the standard is tough and extremely competitive. Sledging is a part and parcel of it, and as a Brit abroad, you will be in the firing line for this. Most of it is good-natured though, and the opposition will be the first to have a laugh with you after the game. No matter what level you play, you are bound to improve if you apply the correct attitude towards it. Training and nets are also taken more seriously than in England, and you’ll come on leaps and bounds if you get stuck in.

Many clubs are also fine with players taking a girlfriend/partner with them. Often they will have to pay their way in terms of flights and jobs, but the club will accommodate both of you if they can. Although I have never done this myself, I have played with overseas players that have. It has worked well for them, and at the end of the day, it comes down to personal choice. Spending 6 months away from your other half would be a test for anyone, so be conscious of this.

Lifestyle & Where to Play?

In a country as vast as Australia, this is a good question. Do you prefer the beach or the city? The countryside or bright lights?

• Melbourne – Not only is it a beautiful city, with the River Yarra running directly through the middle, but there is a great music scene, and plenty to offer in terms of nightlife. Watch out for the 24-hour casino and nightclubs, you won’t be the first or last to fall foul. The MCG is potentially the best stadium in the world, and if you can get to the Boxing Day Test or the AFL finals it is a must-see.
• Sydney – Sydney is huge, vast, and has a mass of people and things to do. The weather is more tropical and humid than Melbourne and has a variety of packed beach spots such as the world-famous Bondi. It is also full of backpackers and Brits abroad; it will feel like a home away from home when you arrive.
• Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth – Although the other cities are seen to be quieter, they are just as vibrant, with plenty to do and see. They also have some of the greatest beaches in the world. If the beach is your calling, go for this (although they aren’t bad in Melbourne/Sydney either).
• Tasmania – Many players love it here and describe it as one of the most scenic places to play in Australia. It offers a greener, more English style location, with plenty of sun and amazing countryside to match.

If city life isn’t for you, then don’t worry. My first summer was spent in a coastal town, around two hours north of Brisbane. It offers a more authentic Australian experience, and you will encounter more wildlife, scenery and the outback too (if you wish to explore it!)

If you prefer the quiet life, then staying out in the countryside or an idyllic, reclusive beach town will be perfect for your needs. In truth, the decision may be taken out of your hands. Although you’ll have an idea of where you want to play, it is up to the cricket agency to find you the best deal in your preferred location.

Visas & Work 

When it comes to visas, cricketers normally travel on one of the following options. There are further options out there, such as partner or education visas, but these are more specialist areas.

• Working Holiday Visa – This is a good option if the cricket club is unable to provide you with work, or you wish to find a job yourself. It will give you the freedom to apply for anything you like, and there are lots of options for work – especially in the cities. You can only use this once, so use it wisely.
• Tourist Visa – This is generally used by people who are going on holiday or travelling. It works on a 3-month basis, but you can extend it for a small cost to stay the whole 6 months. I have twice travelled on this visa and had no issues, and many people do it every season.

Australia has an expensive cost of living, so finding a job on the side is essential. To give some perspective, everything is roughly twice the price of the UK. An average food shop will cost north of $100, and a beer will be $10+! Even items such as clothes and cricket kit are more expensive, so just be aware of this before you go. Additionally, if you wish to travel the country during the Christmas break or at the end of the season, you will require considerable savings to do this. This could be a one-time opportunity, so make the most of it while you can.

In terms of work, the jobs provided will normally be affiliated with the club. This might include office work, working on the cricket grounds (often teams will have 2/3 pitches), or labouring with tradesmen. Although this is a lot of fun at times, labouring under the sun isn’t for everyone! It’s always a good idea to try and arrange the job with your club before you go, to avoid any confusion when you arrive.

Alternatively, if you have your coaching badges, there will be the option to run your own sessions. In my own experience, I found one to one coaching very popular amongst juniors, and I made enough income to get by with this. The club may also pay you to help with junior training, which is a great way to give something back at the same time.

Is it worth it?

For enhancing your game and becoming a better player, it is the best experience that can be offered. Many players will attribute a winter spent abroad as the turning point in their careers. Even for club players, you will often find you’ll have your best summer yet once you return to England. Playing all the time will constantly improve you, and you will learn to play in different conditions, which can only help.

At times it will be hard, as spending 6 months away from your family, friends and potentially your partner is never easy. When you return to England it may also be tough financially, as you will have to start again from scratch. As mentioned earlier, Australia is a tough place to save money!

If you can cope with this, and embrace the easy-going nature of the Australian lifestyle, you will have the time of your life. Being integrated into a sports team is a wonderful way to travel and experience another culture, and takes out a lot of the worries of heading to a new country by yourself. For a cricket player, you won’t find a better way to spend a winter.

Do you fancy it?

Check out the banner below for more information and get in touch with James Cole – Senior Cricket Agent at CricX, for more details.

Email: jcole@cricx.com  |  Mobile: 07808 858 876

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