By Marios Papaloizou

They might have been whitewashed by world champions India, but Welling’s England visually impaired cricket team captain Matt Dean believes the Three Lions are closing the gap all the time.

England welcomed the ODI and T20 world champions for a series whichcomprised of three T20 matches and two ODIs.

It didn’t go quite to plan for England who went down 3-0 in their T20 series, including a four-wicket defeat at the Oval, and they were also beaten on both occasions in their ODI encounters.

But there was plenty to celebrate for Dean and co, who achieved a feat that few other teams have ever experienced when they bowled out the tourists in their second ODI.

And with a T20 World Cup to come in 2016 and a crucial Series against Australia Down Under, Welling’s Dean was encouraged by what he had seen.

“It was always going to be a really tough task to take on the world champions so we knew that we were up against it,” said the 32-year-old, who has Retinitis Pigmentosa.

“We expected a hard test and that is exactly what we got so in that respect it was no surprise to us at all.

“But I think we have come out of the other side of the Series as a much stronger team and have definitely learned a lot.

“There were some really good performances from the team and lots of individuals put in really solid efforts which is really promising.

“I think what it gives us is a lot of confidence that we are heading in the right direction and improving all the time and I think we are all confident that the next time we come up against them it will be a different story.”

And while the results weren’t what the team had hoped for, the opportunity to play at ground like the Oval and Arundel Castle left Dean encouraged for the future of the sport.

“The last time we had a series in the UK was in 2012 so it has been a few years since then and it was good to do it again,” he added.

“Playing at places like the Oval shows exactly how far we have come and how much the sport has grown.

“To see 400 people down there watching us was incredible and really encouraging that more people will see it take the sport up.

“It’s massive for me on a personal level to be part of the sport and to help it get more exposure and hopefully inspire the next generation.”

If you or someone you know is interested in visually impaired cricket email disability@ecb.co.uk or visit bcew.co.uk

To stay up to date with the England visually impaired team, visit ecb.co.uk

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