The team went on a tour of Sri Lanka for a five game test series after a three day stop over in Bangalore, India, for a two day invitational with the Indian Blind Cricket team. 

Australia lost both games to the Indians, but the experience prepared them for what was to come. The team consisted of 18 players - one female, the coach, an umpire and two medics.

Blind cricket was first introduced to Australia by a retired soldier after WWI. 

There were so many blind men who were good, keen sportsmen before fighting for King and Country that it was felt a competition to encourage them and help raise morale was a good idea. 

It quickly caught on with many Trans-tasman games over many decades as a result.

Blind Cricket rules are slightly different to the standard rules, in that there must be certain numbers of each level of blindness playing on the field at the same time. 

All players are legally blind, but there are B1, B2, and B3 players. 

B1 level players are completely blind and there must be four of this level on the field at all times. 

They need to bowl a certain number of overs per game. 

Australia had five B1 players on their team with not much rest for them. 

Of these players, only one was born blind, one lost her sight over her childhood years and was sightless by 18, while the others were victims of accidents.

As a physiotherapist working on the sideline and attending several games from childhood, watching West Indies, England and Australia play, Sharon confesses she is usually bored by the second over. 

However, at the blind cricket games, she was on the edge of her seat all the time. 

There was always so much going on. 

The umpires had to position the bowlers and then walk them out of harms way when the over was finished. 

Players were constantly talking and giving instructions to infielders. 

The players were very good to drop to the ground and put their bodies on the line to prevent the ball going past them. 

All this was fine when games were played on fields in the country where it was quiet and the only noise was that of the rattle in the ball and players. 

However, when the games were played in the cities or near a roadway, the clarity of hearing was impaired and things got very interesting.

The Indian and Sri Lankan teams screeched a lot, a high pitched noise which they have perfected.

It worked well in communicating where the ball is in the field. 

These teams practiced as a team weekly, if not daily, and as a result their skills were highly developed. 

Sharon said it was an awesome experience.

“It was amazing to watch these athletes’ skill, enthusiasm, accuracy, strength and speed,” she said.

“I was fascinated with how adept these players are despite the obvious challenges.”

The average age of the teams was 24 with the Australian team ranging from 19 - 42 years old.

The Australian team was made up of players from around the country who play in local competitions and get together once a year when they tour. 

They are not sponsored or funded to play for Australia and must find the money to tour themselves, whereas the Indian team is paid to play and the Sri Lankans have a great following who look after their every need.

On the first day of the Sri Lankan leg of the tour, three players were presented with their “Baggy Greens”. 

“It was such a proud moment for them,” Sharon said.

“I felt like a mother hen looking after her chicks with great delight.

“Everyone involved with the team was great.

“Despite the humidity and terrible playing conditions, not one of our team complained about anything. 

“They soldiered on with “Delhi Belly”, swollen legs, sides and arms from ball bruises or open cuts from dropping in their attempt to stop a ball in play. 

“All these things are simple to treat in Australia, but in the tropical heat and humidity, they pose problems.

“The fact that ice did not exist to help with injuries meant I had to employ Acupuncture, to great effect, to heal even simple injuries or cuts as the risk of serious infection was very real. 

“Cows are sacred in these countries and allowed to roam at will so you can imagine the state of the fields.

“We were in Sri Lanka for Anzac Day, and it was with great pride that I stood alongside my comrades together in a circle before start of play. 

“The Last Post was played on an iPod and we held a minutes silence before taking the field. 

“That day the team drew with the Sri Lankan team, the only game they did not lose. 

 “The team remained in high spirits in spite of losing four out of games. 

“Our hosts in both countries were wonderful and went out of their way to welcome us and helped at every turn,” she said.

The Australians were invited to a Sri Lankan player’s home for a Tea Ceremony in a remote village.

They visited an Elephant orphanage en route. 

“The Sri Lankan people were generous with the little they have,” Sharon said.

“The cultural and economic differences made for interesting reflection.”

The Aussies had a busy trip with only one day off to enjoy the country.

Sharon thoroughly enjoyed her trip though.

“I was very happy to go and would not hesitate to go again if asked,” she said.

“It is absolutely fantastic that such a game exists for people interested at all levels, playing, coaching or just helping. 

“The association needs help to survive but also to train players so they can compete internationally. 

“New Zealand has no such association anymore as the numbers of blind people has decreased. 

“Numbers have also decreased here in Australia with the diseases at birth that cause blindness being reduced. 

“There are still many seeing impaired people who may want to know that there are sports they can get involved in. 

“The current President of Blind Cricket International is Australian and a wonderful ambassador for Australia as well as for the sport,” she said.