• Home
• /
• Cricket

Foy is Full of Joy

A talented player he has been the key member of the England squad since 2001 and played some memorable knocks. “I have been playing cricket since 2000 and I first played for England in 2001,” Nathan said.

Nathan played a crucial role in 2008 when England swept the Blind Ashes series 3-0 against Australia. The 30-year-old scored a double hundred in the series. “That was my second double century. I first scored a double century against Pakistan in 2002 Blind World Cup. We beat Pakistan in the group stage but they took their revenge by beating us comfortably in the semifinals,” said Nathan who has nine centuries to his credit.

Beginning his career as an athlete, it was an injury that introduced Nathan to cricket. “I was a cricket lover since I was young but never thought would play the game. I used to be an athlete, a long jumper and when I was participating in a tournament for the qualification of the Paraolympics I injured myself. When I was recovering I got a suggestion to play cricket since I was a good athlete.”

From then on there was no looking back for Nathan who had been very impressive. He has scored over 1,500 runs and he is thankful to all the people who stood behind him since his initial days. “There are lots of people who have helped me at different stages. If I win any award I have lot of people to thank. During my early stages I was coached Andy Sellins who helped me train with some unusual training techniques.

“At the later stage of my career I hired a few professional coaches in England. Tony Frost was one of them who helped me a lot,” he added.

Nathan is looking forward to play against Pakistan and felt that his team can give them a tough time. “I made my international debut against Pakistan. Abdul Razzaq who is the captain of the Pakistan team now was playing at that time too. We both are very good friends. I’m looking forward to the tournament.”

Nathan said his family have been very supportive and have backed him since the first day. “My family have been very supportive. I’m married and I have a very good wife who also supports me. They wanted to be here and watch the series but they could not make it,” added Nathan, who works for a charity organisation that helps visually challenged people. “We work with the government and have training course and help people who are blind to do a good job,” he concluded.