NETHERFIELD cricketer Matt Clinton will step out in Melbourne for the Deaf Ashes in January.

Clinton, 26, of Heron Hill, Kendal, has been selected for the England squad for the third time, but will make his first appearance after the two previous World Cup’s he was called up for were postponed.

He said: “It means a lot to get the call up especially after all the training on the field and behind the scenes work. Being selected for the World Cup was great but didn’t go ahead, but the Ashes is much bigger.

“You can’t beat playing Australia in their own backyard and to beat them on it would be perfect.”

During the tour of Australia, the medium quick swing bowler is expected to feature in the Ashes test between January 17-19, one day internationals against the Wallabies and South Africa in a tri-series event, and Twenty20 matches over three weeks.

He said: “We have a really good set up with England, they are really good at interpreting language and good for communication.

"It is great for socialising and getting to know people. I hope that me going out to Australia will encourage people not to give up. I had the determination not to be held back and that has helped me get this far.”

Matt started his cricketing career with Netherfield aged 10, was born with deafness, but nothing has held him back from reaching the top of his sport.

He has also been a key member of Kendal Hockey Club in the KURKI North West Hockey League, since joining aged 17, but he has put his hockey on the backburner as he focuses his traiining on the January tour.

The tour will fulfil a lifetime ambition for Matt, who lives with his mum Patricia and sister Faye.

He added: “My dad, Colin Clinton, got me into cricket and if he was still alive I know he would have flown out to Australia with me. I also have to thank the Cumbria cricket association for all their support.”