England? Dire. But as a disabled journalist, tour was 'too easy'

Going round Australia with a form of muscular dystrophy was not without its worries but it proved well worthwhile

- Charles Reynolds

“Australia is not for weak men.” Had I heard Ben Stokes’s words in Brisbane earlier perhaps I wouldn’t have decided to cover the Ashes series as a freelancer. Had I known how England were going to play, almost certainly wouldn't.

My attendance was not in any way predicated on how well England might do in the series - making decisions based on the potential success of the English cricket team can only lead to madness. But having been born with a form of muscular dystrophy, the physical requirements of an eight-week tour to Australia were more of a consideration.

Although not that much of one. I have always tried to ensure my disability does not affect my life any more than it has to and, as a journalist entering my 13th year as part of the press pack, the opportunity to cover an away Ashes series was always going to be too good to pass up. Having attended the 2006-07 series as a fan, there was no way this could be worse. Right?