The Derbyshire first team squad will be attending the PCA stage play ‘When The Eye Has Gone’ at The 3aaa County Ground on Wednesday 9 November.
The play, which focuses on the life of England and Northampton batsman Colin Milburn, is a one-man production aimed at creating awareness to ensure cricket players prepare for life after cricket.
Fifty years on from his test debut in Old Trafford against the West Indies, Milburn is regarded as one of the England’s finest attacking opening batsman, having recored 654 runs in nine innings. However, his career was cut short after a late-night car accident in May 1969 claimed his left-eye and ultimately his cricketing career.
Despite trying his hand as a cricket commentator, the boisterous big-hitter struggled to adapt to life after cricket and the Durham native eventually died aged 48 from a heart-attack in a pub car park at his favoured watering-hole in Aycliffe.
The play, in association with the Professional Player’s Association (PCA), is written and directed by Dougie Blaxland, the pseudonym of former Derbyshire all-rounder James Graham-Brown, who too lost an eye.
Graham-Brown, who is expected to return to his old club on the evening, uses the play as an opportunity to capture Milburn’s jovial personality, whilst ensuring that his audience are made aware of the possible imperilments cricket players face after they hang up their cricket boots.
“My hope for this play is that it provokes thought and discussion amongst players and administrators about how and why so many professional cricketers find it hard to adapt to life when their playing days are over,” said Graham-Brown.
When The Eye Is Gone, which forms part of the PCA’s Mind Matters campaign, with the support of the Arts Council England, is being staged across all 18 counties.
Guests will be joined by members of the first team in the Pattonair Lounge at 7.30pm. Tickets are still available from the Reception of the 3aaa Pavilion in person or by phone at 01332 388101.
Alternatively, click HERE to buy tickets online.
