BATSMAN Sam Crichard says he is not expecting any second chances in the England Deaf cricket squad’s tour of South Africa.

The 21-year-old from Aylton, near Ledbury, will be arriving in South Africa this Saturday for four one-day internationals and two Twenty20 internationals.

Sam, who plays club cricket for Colwall, is part of the 14-man England squad captained by Middlesex’s Umesh Valjee.

It is Crichard’s maiden tour with the side and the first international disability cricket series since the national disability squads moved into the England Cricket Department. “I have previously been to Barbados while touring with Herefordshire - and that was something special,” said Sam.

“But I have not been abroad for three years - and a first England tour is something that I am really excited about.

“We are probably heading out as favourites but the South African team are improving all the time.

“I play a decent level of club cricket at Colwall - but the intensity is much higher when you’re batting in an international match. You get no second chances at this level - you can give one chance as a batsman and that’s your innings over.”

England have a warm-up match next Monday and then play their opening one-day international against South Africa next Wednesday.

Sam said: “We are officially affiliated to the England and Wales Cricket Board - so my brother, Joe, really likes the kit I get.

“I have got England-branded training kit and training whites, three playing shirts, jumpers, bag and even sunglasses.

“I have been involved in the England set-up for three years and I have played around 12 matches for the team.”

Sam has just finished his final year at university in Cardiff and will be starting a job at The Grange in Monmouth next month.

He added: “I have been working hard to get my place in the starting line-up for the tour but nothing is ever guaranteed.”