Peper Harow, a member of the I’Anson League, hosted their first visually impaired (VI) cricket match between Surrey and Lancashire.

The match ended in a winning draw for Surrey, who had posted 124 for nine from their 40 overs.

In reply, Lancashire were restricted to 67 for seven.

Steve Bradley, the chairman of Peper Harow and the I’Anson chairman, said: “VI is an ever-growing form of our wonderful game, with complete inclusivity – and certainly puts life into perspective.

“It continues to provide participation in sport opportunities across different counties for men and women with visual impairments.

“VI cricket is inspiring people to play who didn’t ever think playing cricket was a possibility and helping to change their lives!

“Watching them play cricket was brilliant, and learning about the rules for visually impaired cricket shows how tough it must be.

“Some of the rules are:

A size three football with ball bearings is used to allow partially-sighted players to see it and blind players to hear it;

Wickets are larger so batsman and bowlers can touch them to orientate themselves;

For blind batters, the ball must bounce at least twice before reaching the crease;

For partially-sighted batters, the ball must bounce at least once before reaching the crease;

A totally blind batter is given one chance before being given out for LBW;

A batter who is totally blind cannot be stumped;

A totally blind batter receives double runs;

A fielder who is totally blind can make a catch after the ball has bounced once.

“All in all, the work that Mark Allen, who runs Surrey’s visually-impaired team, and all those who support him to bring cricket to disabled people, is incredible, and is an inspiration to us all.”