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Over the years, cricketers have showcased incredible dedication and undertaken remarkable feats to pursue their passion for the game. However, there are stories of devotion to the sport that leave fans utterly amazed. In a recent and extraordinary incident, a video has been circulating on various social media platforms, showcasing a cricketer playing the game while carrying an oxygen cylinder on his back. This inspiring individual name is Alex Steele.
Steele made his first-class debut against Lancashire in 1967
Steele, a former first-class wicketkeeper-batter from Scotland, has become the embodiment of unwavering commitment to cricket. His journey in the sport began in first-class cricket back in 1967. A club cricketer for Forfarshire Cricket Club, Steele made his debut for Scotland in first-class cricket against Lancashire at Old Trafford on Scotland’s tour of England in 1967. Over the course of 14 first class matches, Steele accumulated a total of 621 runs with an average of 24.84. This included two half-centuries and an impressive highest score of 97. Beyond his batting prowess, he was known for his skills behind the wickets, claiming 11 catches and effecting two stumpings. His last appearance in a first-class games took place during the 1980 season.
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A terminal illness
Nevertheless, a turning point arrived in Steele’s life when he was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 2020, a terminal respiratory condition that initially left him with a prognosis of one to five years to live. Despite the challenging circumstances, the indomitable spirit of the 83-year-old remained unbroken. Even three years after the diagnosis, Steele continues to actively participate in cricket for his club, demonstrating a remarkable determination by playing while wearing an oxygen cylinder attached to his back.
Here’s the video:
Some stop cricket when they old 👴 And legends stop getting old when they play cricket❤ That's 83 years old Alex Steele behind the stumps with an Oxygen cylinder on his back! I'm thinking the oxygen cylinder isn't the real oxygen, cricket is the real oxygen for him😁 #Cricket 🏏 pic.twitter.com/LgyeO1F7fB
— Suleman Modan (@Figjamfan) August 6, 2023
Steele believes the most important things is your own attitude to the illness
In a conversation with The Times, Steele discussed his choice to participate in cricket games while wearing an oxygen tank fastened to his back.
“It was quite gentle cricket, but absolutely wonderful. I’m absolutely thrilled to say that I stood up to the stumps for the full 30 overs,” Steele was quoted as saying by The Times.
Steele also expressed his determination to continue playing cricket and emphasized that he is not prepared to halt his involvement. Reflecting on this, the former cricketer highlighted that he is aware of players who tend to surrender quite readily following an injury. Nonetheless, he underscored that he does not belong to that category and remains steadfast in his commitment to the sport.
“One of the most important things is your own attitude to the illness. I know of people who when something ill happens to them, give up the ghost and feel sorry for themselves. I haven’t felt that myself,” Steele concluded.
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