In Adversity, I Made My Dream Come True

Nick Campion reflects on the plight of young Ali Layard, who has battled against all the odds to make his England bow

- Nick Campion

When nine-year old Ali Layard was accidentally knocked off a narrow boat in 2012, he was dragged into the

propeller, which removed 90% of tissue and muscle on his right leg between knee and ankle. The latissimus dorsi muscle was taken from his back and transferred to his leg, then he had a skin graft (from his thigh) to cover the transplant. And that was the good leg.

His left leg is the one that holds him back the most. The propeller removed the base of the tibia and most of his knee cap. A new knee cap is impossible because there’s nothing to support it. Ali was told by the consultant that his best case scenario would be that he might be able to walk with a stick and a stiff leg.

However, that was then and this is now. In one week’s time, 16 year-old leg-spinning all-rounder Ali will pull on his England shirt as part of the 15-man Physical Disability (PD) squad competing in the PD World Series in Worcestershire.

Six weeks in intensive care, five months in hospital, years in rehab and an unimaginable amount of grit and determination have brought him to a moment he's always dreamed of.

“While I was in hospital, I remember the IPL being on the TV. That reminded me that this was the game I fell in love with and always wanted to play. I was desperate to get better and it never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t play cricket again. When I pull on the England shirt, it’s an incredible feeling, it's everything I’ve been working towards.”