A NETHERFIELD Cricket Club bowler has been called up for the England Deaf squad, and is taking part in an international competition in Dubai.

Matthew Clinton, 31, of Kendal, overcame a bout if injury troubles to get back to full fitness and make his return.

He will be playing in matches against India, Pakistan and the South Africa in the World Championships, which started on Wednesday and will last a week.

Clinton said: "I was over the moon to be part of the squad again for Dubai after coming back from injury.

"I have been working hard on my fitness and attending a lot of training weekends down south in London with the squad in the last three to four months.

"We have been working on our games and hopefully all the hard work has paid off."

Clinton, who works Lakeland Distribution Centre as a co-ordinator, has played in the England Deaf squad before, featuring at tournaments in Australia, South Africa and Holland since 2010.

Ian Heath, secretary of Netherfield Cricket Club, said: "Matthew is delighted to get back into the team and we are very pleased for him.

"He had to work very hard for it. The training has been all over the country so he had to do a lot of travelling. It has required a tremendous amount of commitment."

Clinton, a medium paced swing bowler, sustained injuries to his shoulder and ankle over the past few years.

He has been in and out of action since, being unable to play for six and eight week stints over the years.

Part of his recovery included keyhole surgery on his ankle which was needed after he had some bone spurs removed.

A keen sportsman, who also plays hockey for Kendal, Clinton became involved with deaf cricket 13 years ago.

He started out at Netherfield aged eight, and has been playing for the senior teams all his life.

Netherfield hope to have him playing upon his return from Dubai, and expect to have him bowling during upcoming pre-season friendlies on April 9 and 10.

Clinton is not the first Netherfield player to be called up for international duty.

Thirty-five years ago batsman David Billington played for England Schools.

Billington went on to receive a professional contract, however his career never took off after he sustained an injury playing rugby for Kendal.

Clinton's time in Dubai is fully funded by the English and Wales Cricket Board.

The England Deaf squad is organised by the England Cricket Association for the Deaf, which also runs county teams in Lancashire, Surrey and Nottinghamshire.