Boy's Unique Spin On The Game Of Cricket

A young boy, who was born with no hands, has his sights set on playing international cricket.

Kearan Gibbs, 11, is proving to be a talented spin bowler and batsman despite having no arms from the elbow down.

His ambition is to join England's Disability XI in the next few years.

"I grip it in different ways then it spins," says Kearan, from Redditch.

"Sometimes I put a fast one on then it straightens. It causes problems for the batsman, he can appeal for LBW, sometimes you can inside edge it and it goes into the slips."

"He just sort of wedges the ball in the right place," says Mike Harris, from Astwood Bank Cricket Club.

"He pushes it into his flesh, he has a tiny thumb-like bit of flesh which gives him grip then he throws his arm over, and pulls the 'thumb' away to release it. He has no fingers to direct it. To aim is extremely difficult. I don't know how he does it.

"When he's batting it's just as remarkable, he can play a proper shot and compete with the other lads."

Kearan, who admires England batsmen Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott, has been playing alongside able-bodied players in his school cricket team.

He got his first taste for the game five years ago on a family holiday. Since then he's been keeping his mum busy.

"He's always playing cricket in the house," says Carrie, 29.

"My Lord, I've had balls hit me in the back of the head, pictures broken, he's always got a cricket ball or bat in his hand. At his local club they thought he had a real knack and contacted the ECB, who came and looked at him and said he needed tweeking.

"He's been told to keep his passport up to date as he might be touring internationally by the time he's 14".

A spokesperson for the England & Wales Cricket Board said: "We're very keen to promote cricket for people with disabilities. There are more opportunities now than ever before for disabled cricketers to play the game right up to international level."

Kearan, who has had nets installed at his home thanks to the charity Well Child practices every day.

The keen sportsman says if he doesn't achieve his dream of playing international cricket - there's always golf.