Meet Dean du Plessis, world's 1st blind cricket commentator

Carl Wastie and Tarryn Lamb speak to the world's first blind cricket commentator and journalist about his inspiring journey and how he does what he loves.

Dean du Plessis is the world's first blind commentator, journalist and podcaster. He has taken what many see as a setback and turned it into a career, pioneering in the world of cricket commentating. 

So, how does he do it?

"First and foremost, it's the passion. If you don't have the passion, it's not going to work."

- Dean du Plessis

Du Plessis explains how he translates the experience to the audience...

"It's not that impressive but what I use are stump microphones which are right by the wickets. I don't get any preferential treatment when I am in the box so I am able to tell who the bowler is by the way that he approaches the wicket, the way they land on their feet at the crease... it's about how the ball is hit and the sound the bat makes when it hits the ground."

- Dean du Plessis

Yes, du Plessis knows the cricketers by sound, the commentator recalls that "Shane Warne gave a loud grunt, Shaun Pollock gave a bit of a drag and Andrew Strauss said c'mon, c'mon, c'mon before hitting the ball."

Du Plessis notes that many other blind people who face challenges have not been given the same opportunities.

"I am blessed to have been given this opportunity."

- Dean du Plessis

Stream Dean's commentating journey on his podcast Dean at Stumps.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.