By Marios Papaloizou

Welling brothers Matt and Gavin Dean have the potential to lead England's visually impaired cricket team to glory at this month’s Blind World Cup, according to head coach Ross Hunter.

The pair are part of England’s 17-man team that are heading to South Africa this month looking to be crowned world champions for the first time.

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Gavin Dean

Hunter will be leading England into the World Cup for the first time as a coach and is relying on captain Matt, 31, to help guide the side through a tricky tournament, starting with the test of Sri Lanka first up on November 27.

And Hunter says in Matt, who has retinitis pigmentosa, they have one of the world’s best visually impaired cricket players and someone who can help England finally topple India and Pakistan.

“I think Matt is someone who is probably our most experienced batter at international level so is going to have to use all that know-how to helps us,” said Hunter.

“He’s our 40-over captain - he’s a leader in the group and our opening batsman and someone who can hopefully lead us to glory.

“As captain he has a very big workload but he’s a huge character and the type of person that can deliver under real pressure.

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Ross Hunter

“He’s a high level cricketer and one of the world’s best so he’s one of the guys that the team look up to.

“I’m excited about him leading the team in South Africa and I know that with him leading the way we have a real chance against anyone.”

And as well as the skill of Matt, Hunter is excited about the physical presence of older brother Gavin.

“Gavin is a big unit and someone who really makes his presence felt; he’s a high impact player that can cause real damage to the opposition,” he added.

“To have someone like that is so crucial. He bowls fast and he hits the ball hard. He is also a real joker in the group so is really important for morale.

“He’s absolutely vital for this team and along with his brother, can make a real difference to our results in South Africa.”

ECB is an inclusive organisation providing support and a pathway for disability cricket from grassroots to elite.

Follow the England Visually Impaired Squad in South Africa at ecb.co.uk