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Transplant cricket team visits for friendly match

Aimee Dexter
BBC News, Essex
Richard Knights/BBC People are sat on a row of chairs with people stood behind them. There are two teams, one team is wearing a red and black uniform, and the other is wearing a yellow and green. They are outside of the Wickford Cricket Club building. Richard Knights/BBC
Australia Lucky Stars Transplant Cricket played a friendly match against Wickford Cricket Club

An Australian cricket team made up of people who have had transplants has played a friendly match in a town.

The Australia Lucky Stars Transplant Cricket team played against Wickford Cricket Club.

The team were in the UK to play three games against the England and Wales Transplant Cricket Club in the 2025 Transplant Ashes, which they lost to the home side.

Vice-captain of the Australian team Daryl Zaffiro said: "The opportunity to play cricket again or to travel, anything like that, is something I thought I'd never have the opportunity to do again."

Richard Knights/BBC Daryl Zaffiro is looking at the camera. He has a green hat on and is wearing a green top with a yellow collar, and has a long brown beard. Behind him is a green field with buildings and trees. Richard Knights/BBC
Daryl Zaffiro said he was sent to hospital after he felt sick while travelling

Mr Zaffiro said he was travelling in the UK when he found out his kidneys were failing after being sent for tests.

"About a year later I had my transplant," he explained.

"As the years progressed, I got a lot healthier, and just having the opportunity to join the club makes all the difference.

"We are all dealing with the same things."

England and Wales won the three-match series 2-1 against Australia to win the 2025 Transplant Ashes.

Richard Knights/BBC Nicky Anderson has short black hair and is wearing glasses and looking towards the camera with a light smile. She is wearing a black and red striped T-shirt, and is standing on a green field which has a building and trees in the background. Richard Knights/BBC
Nikki Anderson, who organised the match, said it was an "honour" to host the Australian team

Following the series, Nikki Anderson, the women's captain at Wickford cricket club, was approached to see if they could house a friendly match between the teams.

"I was approached by my cousin who is connected to the Australian team who asked if we would host it at our ground in Wickford.

"I have never had an Australian team visit our cricket club, so I welcomed them with open arms," she said.

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