A WARRINGTON cricketer has been selected to take part in an Ashes tour to Australia.
Andrew Knox, 30, from Penketh, will go “down under” with the British transplant team in October in a bid to retain the Ashes.
It will be the third series between the two countries – and England currently hold the Ashes.
Andrew, who has had two kidney transplants, said: “We are the only British side who can beat the Aussies at the moment!
“We want to go over there and retain the Ashes, but it will be hard as they have a bigger pool of players to pick from and have a lot of experience.”
Andrew became an international cricketer in an unusual way – and he admits he is more at home on a tennis court.
He was taking part in the British Transplant Games, playing tennis, when he was asked if he would try cricket. A couple of net practice sessions followed –and he was selected.
“ Before I knew it I was playing in Australia against their transplant team on television,” he said.
The “Transplant Ashes” were born after the 2003 World Transplant Games in France, when the Great Britain team topped the medals table and the Australian team, ever keen to maintain the rivalry between the two countries, issued a challenge to go to Australia and play competitive transplant cricket.
The Aussies took the first series in 2004 to win the “Ashes”, but Great Britain came out on top on home soil in 2006.
Because of the length of the trip and the equipment involved, the cost of competing in the matches is ever increasing.
Many events are held to try and drum up funds for the games, as it costs around £1925 per person for the trip.
Andrew said: “I played in the 2004 tour and it was a brilliant experience.
“The main purpose of the games is to highlight how important transplants are to people, especially transplants that are carried out as a result of organ donations.
“As well as sponsorship for the games, it is important to highlight the importance of donors as well. We always need extra donors and the more we can get the better.”
Andrew heads Down Under to win ashes
00 Comments
Share.
About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
