Phil Menzie

Phil Menzie is a B1 (totally blind) ‘Tigers’ player and was selected in the inaugural 2023 TAS/ACT ‘CATS’ NCIC team, along with three other B1’s from the ACT.

Phil is our BCT Players’ Ambassador and has a background playing B&LV cricket over the past 30 years. Phil shares his reflections from those early days and what BCT has offered him and other’s in developing the statewide program and representative pathway.

Blind cricket has been in the wilderness for a number of years here in Tasmania. The last known match took place in January 2000. I actually played in that game.

It was a game held between Tasmanian blind cricketers, and a team from Anglesea Barracks. It was a fun day with barbecue and some awards.

In the eighties and nineties blind cricket was quite strong. The players mainly were from Hobart and we enjoyed many games against different businesses from Hobart. On 2 occasions we played against a blind Victorian team.

These cricket matches were great from all accounts. It gave people a chance to socialise and get to know other people who are vision impaired. Some people with a disability can find it hard to get out and meet different people. It also gave an opportunity for people to, run, and bowl bat, field and take part in a team game.

So it’s a breath of fresh air having blind cricket return. This will mean a lot for people knowing they can play a game on the same level as able body people.

These days there are even ashes games and against other countries. Tasmania is a state that is passionate about our sport and will get behind cricket Tasmania and will be competitive against other states.