Disability

Mike O'Mahony (Captain)

Age: 46
Club: Farnham CC & Surrey Deaf CCC
Role: Right hand top order batsman & right arm seam bowler
Top Score: Hearing - 153 Three Bridges vs Bexhill & Deaf - 140 vs Pakistan in 1996 World Cup (Also scored 113 vs Australia in the Deaf ashes in 2008)
Best Bowling Figures: Hearing - 8/33 for Moseley Ashfield vs Stratford upon Avon & Deaf - 4/12 vs Twickenham CC (Included a hat-trick)
How did you get involved in Deaf Cricket?
By pure accident. I met an England deaf cricket player at Croydon Deaf Club. This changed my sporting outlook and led to me playing for the England Deaf Cricket Team, Great Britain Football Team and also Great Britain Basketball team at the World Deaf Games. All of which provided me with fantastic experiences both at home and around the world. I continued to play for hearing teams, however experiences were not the same.
What would you say about Surrey Cricket to other people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
I wish I had the same opportunities when I started out playing cricket. It provides good coaching and an opportunity to realise that there are other deaf people who have similar experiences, shared interests and great stories. It provides a healthy balance of engagement on and off the pitch. It is fantastic to see such a great balance of old and new playing good cricket together in a competitive environment. I would strongly encourage all cricketers who have cochlear implants, hearing aids or who rely on lip reading and sign language to give it a go - What have you got to lose?!

Martin Henderson

Age: 28
Club: Berkhamsted CC, Surrey Deaf CCC & England Deaf Lions Squad
Role: Left arm spin bowler
Top Score: 48
Best Bowling Figures:
How did you get involved in Deaf Cricket?
I found out about deaf cricket about 6 years ago while surfing the Internet
What would you say about Surrey Cricket to other people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Grab the opportunity with both hands and work towards your goals. You may be given the opportunity to play at a high level!

Stefan Pichowski

Age: 35
Club: Surrey CCC Deaf & Hythe CC (Kent)
Role: Right hand bat & Left arm orthodox
Top Score: 125* vs Kettering Town in 1995 & 55 vs South Africa for England Deaf in 2005 World Cup
Best Bowling Figures: 8/50 vs Potters Bar & 5/12 vs Australia for England Deaf
How did you get involved in Deaf Cricket?
I bumped into the Australian Deaf Cricket captain and his twin who also played in the Australian deaf cricket team. This led to opportunities playing in both domestic and international cricket. On top of enjoying competitive cricket, there were the added bonuses of inclusion in the dressing room, equal level playing field on and off the field, travelling the world, meeting new people, making good friends and representative honours for deaf sides such as Croydon Deaf Club, Luton Deaf Club, ECAD South, Sydney Warriors, Queensland, ECAD South East, Surrey, ECAD and of course England Deaf.
What would you say about Surrey Cricket to other people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Surrey Deaf Cricket offers an excellent pathway to England Deaf. It opens a new world for deaf cricketers, competitive cricket in hearing/deaf competitions and new life changing opportunities. It is a whole new ball game worth exploring and the team welcomes new members of all abilities to help develop Surrey Deaf CCC and deaf cricket further afield.

Umesh Valjee MBE

Club: Stanmore CC, West London Deaf & Surrey Deaf CCC
Role: Batsman
Top Score: 186* vs Australia for England Deaf in 2004
Best Bowling Figures: 8/14 vs Romford Deaf for West London Deaf & 5/6 vs India for England Deaf in 1996 World Cup
How did you get involved in Deaf Cricket?
First got involved in cricket through my deaf brother Shatish. I went on to play alongside him for West London Deaf CC when I was 15 years old, and have played ever since
What would you say about Surrey Cricket to other people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
I would strongly encourage deaf/hearing impaired individuals to come to Surrey Deaf CCC as the opportunity wasn't there for us before! There are also opportunities for young individuals to springboard to the national deaf sides and play further field.

Sarvesh Thiruchelvam

Age: 18
Club: Harpenden Cricket Club, Surrey Deaf CCC & England Deaf Lions
Role: Batting All Rounder
Top Score: 82 for Aldenham School
Best Bowling Figures: 5/20 for Aldwickbury School
How did you get involved in Deaf Cricket?
Started playing for ECAD South East whilst with Middlesex CCC Disability squad
What would you say about Surrey Cricket to other people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
It is a very friendly club with lots of encouragement from everyone and a great mix of experienced veterans and youngsters coming through

Chris Harrison

Age: 48
Club: Surrey Deaf CCC
Role: Wicket Keeper
Top Score: 110
Best Bowling Figures: 5/34
How did you get involved in Deaf Cricket?
When I left school I played for Chester Deaf Cricket and for a local league side. I was playing for my hearing club when the chance to trial for England Deaf came up in 2003 for the 2004 Australia Tour. Since then, I have played for West London Deaf Cricket, Surrey Deaf CC and ECAD Lions
What would you say about Surrey Cricket to other people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Surrey Deaf Cricket is a great way to get involved and meet new people. You receive lots of advice and good coaching as well as opportunities to take the coaching courses to become a coach. The deaf team is friendly and competitive, as well as a good stepping stone to getting into Deaf Cricket and possibly play for England Deaf.

Saul Allison

Age: 29
Club: Surrey Deaf CCC
Role: All Rounder - Top order batsman and Medium Pace Bowler
Top Score: 84
Best Bowling Figures: 5/27
How did you get involved in Deaf Cricket?
Started playing cricket at my local village cricket club, aged 9. I developed further during my school years at Mary Hare school for Deaf. Soon after, I left school and I was selected for England Deaf Lions side and progressed into the ECB Elite Deaf team that toured Australia in 2011 and South Africa in 2013.
What would you say about Surrey Cricket to other people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Deaf cricket is a fantastic sport where you can play and interact with your team all afternoon along. I have endured many seasons of being the only Deaf player in the team and communication was very difficult. It goes without saying that development of knowledge and skills comes with both enjoyment and communication with your captain and team mates.

Sunil Sagar

Age: 32
Club: Hornesy CC, Daman Dynamo CC, Surrey Deaf CCC & ECAD Lions
Role: All Rounder
Top Score: 74* vs Harrow CC
Best Bowling Figures: 6/29 vs North London CC
How did you get involved in Deaf Cricket?
I was playing at a hearing club and one person pulled me aside and explained what deaf cricket was and recommended that I should join a deaf cricket club. I joined the West London Deaf CC in 1999. I carried on playing with my hearing side but I have played for various different clubs. I represented South East Zone deaf playing in a regional tournament. In 2013, Surrey Deaf CCC took over the South East Zone CC and I have continued with Surrey ever since.
What would you say about Surrey Cricket to other people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
I would say if you have got the chance, then come and play, grab the opportunity with both hands. It has been a great experience for me and provided me with experiences and opportunities that I never would have imagined getting the chance to have. Playing with Surrey Deaf CCC helps you improve cricket performance whilst also developing your communication and I have loved the great coaching that I have received.

David Baker

Age: 51
Club: Knebworth Blues CC, East Hert Cavaliers CC & Surrey Deaf CCC
Role: All Rounder
Top Score: 187*
Best Bowling Figures: 7/22
How did you get involved in Deaf Cricket?
I got involved in deaf cricket in 1990 for Romford deaf CC. Then I went to play for West London Deaf CC in 2006. I have played for many hearing clubs like Edmonton CC for 20 years and I represented England Lions deaf and now play for Surrey deaf CC.
What would you say about Surrey Cricket to other people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Always strive to challenge yourself to be the best you can be regardless of your impairment or difficulties you may face.

Daniel Webster

Age: 34
Club: Rayne & Surrey Deaf CCC
Role: Bowler
Top Score: 47
Best Bowling Figures: 5/5
How did you get involved in Deaf Cricket?
I was a keen cricketer when I was at Maryhare school for the deaf and then set up Luton deaf CC. Lack of interest meant the club had to fold after a short time. I moved to London and joined west London deaf CC, but I still played for local hearing clubs.
What would you say about Surrey Cricket to other people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
There are many cricketers who have been in the same boat as you, so don't be scared to try it out. Once you join, you'll be surrounded by cricketers of all ages and abilities. We have amazing cricketers in our team and if you're really keen, you can learn a lot from them.

If these profiles have inspired you and you have a hearing impairment and are interested in taking part in Hearing Impaired cricket, please contact the SCF at disability@surreycricket.com and we will be happy to help.