By Martin Gough

Strauss donned a blindfold to experience a new form of cricket

The memory of being out first ball in a cricket match is always painful, even if you have eight Test centuries to your name.

It first happened to Andrew Strauss when as a 16-year-old he made his debut for Oxfordshire Under-19s.

He may not have realised at the time but dismissal instantly made him eligible to join the 10,000 members of the Primary Club, the cricket charity for visually impaired people.

"I was the most nervous man in the world, the youngest in the team and I thought I would let my bat do the talking," he recalled.

"I clipped my first ball straight into the hands of short-leg - it was the longest walk back to the pavilion I have ever had.

"My team-mates were not impressed, and they weren't impressed the following week when I was out for a third-ball duck."

On Thursday, Strauss took over as president of the Primary Club's new junior section.

And he was persuaded to find out just what cricket is like for visually impaired players, who use a football, filled with ball-bearings, bowled underarm.

I'm so used to using my eyes to play the game and to have to use your hearing completely changes the dynamic of it Andrew Strauss

Wearing a blindfold, he managed to last only until his second ball.

"It's a very different game to the one I play but it's just as enjoyable," Strauss told BBC Sport.

"Whatever form it's played in, cricket is a great way of bringing people together and providing a team environment."

Playing alongside youngsters from Wandsworth's Linden Lodge School indoors at The Oval, Strauss began with a trademark cut shot for a single before his stumps were rattled.

"There was a little bit of beginner's luck there that I hit the ball but it's incredibly difficult," he said afterwards.

HOW BLIND CRICKET DIFFERS Ball is the size of a football, filled with ball-bearings Ball must pitch at least twice for a totally blind batsman - or once for a partially-sighted batsman - but must not be rolling A totally blind batsman is given one chance before being given out lbw and cannot be stumped Bowler must ask the batsman if he is ready before beginning his run up and shout "play" as he releases the ball A totally blind fielder can make a catch after the ball has bounced once

"I'm so used to using my eyes to play the game and to have to use your hearing completely changes the dynamic of it."

Founded in 1955 and championed by late, great BBC cricket commentator Brian Johnston, the Primary Club funds sporting and recreational activities for blind and partially sighted people.

It sponsors a national cricket competition and funds facilities for schools, other sporting facilities and holidays.

Strauss' involvement was clearly a highlight for the children in attendance who, just like the assembled media, asked him why he dropped two catches in last week's first Test.

But his position as president of the new Primary Club Juniors section could have even more influence.

Strauss chats with a youngster from Wandsworth's Linden Lodge School

The new initiative aims to broaden the scope of the club, giving under-18s miniature bats and goody bags rather than ties and broaches.

"With the result of the Ashes series last year there are numerous youngsters coming into the game who are enthusiastic about cricket," said club patron and former England spinner Derek Underwood.

"There's a great opportunity to make them aware of the Primary Club."

Strauss looks likely to be more than just a figurehead for the organisation and his keen to get as involved as possible in fundraising.

Have Your Say on TMS Are you qualified to join the Primary Club?

He took a tour of Linden Lodge School before his lunchtime display at The Oval.

"The facilities there are fantastic but they need ongoing support to upgrade those facilities and give those guys the best chance they can have," he said.

"The more we can do to help that the better."