Members of the Australia’s blind cricket team, led by Captain Matthew Horsey, have departed for India ahead of next month’s Blind Cricket World Twenty20.

Captain Matthew Horsey is excited about the upcoming tournament.

“All the players are really looking forward to arriving in India and the opportunity to play eight matches in Indian conditions.

“We’ve had a great preparation and are confident of our chances.”

The 17-man Australian squad will gather in Bangalore on Friday for a full training session. The opening ceremony will be held at Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday, following which Australia will play eight matches against India, Sri Lanka, England, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, South Africa and West Indies between December 2-9.

Should Australia progress beyond the preliminary round, it will play in a semi-final on December 12. The final will be played on December 13.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland wishes the squad all the best in India.

“We wish our Australian team the best of luck in India, and hope that they can bring home the World Twenty20 trophy.

A tour to India presents any cricketer with challenging conditions, both in the grounds and the heat and humidity, and we wish our players well.”

The team is grateful for the support of key Cricket Australia apparel partner ASICS, who is providing the squad with apparel for the tournament.

Cricket Australia also acknowledges Lord’s Taverners Australia for its ongoing support of teams with a disability.