National Cricket Inclusion Championships showcased Australia’s best cricketers with a disability

INVERLOCH couple, Callum Asbury, and Julia Algie, recently competed for Victoria in the National Cricket Inclusion Championships (NCIC) where Callum was selected to compete in the National Squad competing in the ICC Deaf T20 World Cup in Dubai.

The couple who are also members of Inverloch Cricket Club competed in the NCIC in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing category. 

The National Cricket Inclusion Championships (NCIC) featured the best Australian cricketers with a disability competing to be crowned national champions.

Established in 2017, the NCIC provides players with an opportunity to play at the highest domestic level.

The five-day tournament took place in Brisbane in January.

Twenty-two state and territory teams competed in five divisions - Blind and Low Vision, Women’s Blind and Low Vision Exhibition Matches, Men’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Women’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Cricketers with an Intellectual Disability.

Cricket Australia General Manager, Events and Operations Joel Morrison said the NCIC is a fantastic event showcasing the greatest Australian cricketers with a disability and Cricket Australia are thrilled to have it on the summer of cricket calendar.

“The NCIC is part of Australian Cricket’s vision to be a sport for all that makes Australians proud and our ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone in the game.

“The Championships form an important representative pathway for cricketers, but we also hope it will inspire people from all walks of life to pick up a bat and ball and give cricket a go.”

Callum began playing Deaf footy for Victoria in 2016, when one of his mates asked if he wanted to join the Deaf cricket team for Victoria for the 2017 inaugural National Cricket Inclusion

Championships, and ever since then, he’s been a part of the championships every year.

“I started my junior career and senior career with Banyule CC in 2005/06, in Heidelberg, until I moved to Inverloch CC at the start of the 2021/22 season, playing A1 Grade since then,” said Callum. 

This was Julia’s first year. “I had actually seen the women play back in the 2020 championship and remembered how much fun it looked.”

“Since then, I made a promise to myself I will play at the next Championship if I was lucky to be selected,” said Julia. 

Julia started her career in 2020/2021 season for the Willows at Melbourne Deaf CC in Kew. 

“Once moving down to the Gippsland I didn’t play until the 2022/2023 season for the Stingettes at Inverloch Cricket Club.” 

Callum was part of the NCIC Deaf Men’s Division (VIC) and Julia NCIC Deaf Women’s Division (VIC). 

Callum shared that he felt that he bowled his best this year, taking seven wickets in six matches, including getting David Melling (World’s best Deaf batsman) out first ball against WA in Round 4, and also held onto three catches. “However, I still need to work on my batting.

“I have been selected for the Australian Men’s Deaf team which will tour Dubai from March 4 - March 15 to participate in the 2024 DICC World Cup.” 

For Julia said unfortunately my bowling wasn’t on par this Championship, which was a bit devastating, although I did bat well in the last game against Queensland and didn’t get out! 

Despite her impressive batting performance in the final match, Julia was disappointed with her bowling skills.

“Unfortunately, my bowling wasn’t on par this Championship, which was a bit devastating, although I did bat well in the last game against Queensland and didn’t get out!” Julia said.

“The women’s deaf do not have a national team as of yet but hope to see one soon!” 

Callum shared that a highlight of this year’s championship was to captain the side again to another premiership, going back-to-back. 

“All the teams were a massive challenge this year and our team stuck together and played well, which in the end, we were rewarded.” 

Julia then stated that her highlight was to be a part of a championship that is recognising deaf women in sport and playing alongside women who share the same passion.

“Winning the Championship was pretty special, such a surreal experience,” she said. 

“Cricket is a fun sport, and being a part of the NCIC has really created a lot of friendships with other players from other states. If you know anyone that wants to give it a go, don’t be shy and give it go!” said Callum. 

“As someone who had no passion for cricket and now representing their state, all I can say is give it a go, you’ll surprise yourself, I know I did,” Julia said.