Umesh bowled over by award

England Deaf Cricket Team Captain Umesh Valjee (41) has just been named ECB Disabled Cricketer of the Year. Although he’s made some fine centuries, winning the award apparently had him caught in the slips. Good to see he’s not stumped by our questions

What first got you involved in cricket?
When I was 15, a mate of my deaf brother who plays for West London Deaf Cricket Club asked me if I’d like to join in a game. My brother wasn’t too impressed at the time – I think he just wanted to be sociable with his friends rather than having me around, but I joined them and I’ve never looked back.

How long have you been a professional?
Since playing with the Hampshire and Gloucestershire county cricket clubs in 1994-95.

You’ve just won the Disability Cricketer of the Year Award. Was it a total surprise?
A surprise and an honour, especially after my tour to Australia in January, when I made three centuries in four innings.

What does winning that award mean to you?
I used to watch all the different awards on TV when I was young, like BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Footballer of the Year etc, and I never thought I’d see a deaf person win. And to win my award in front of an England professional cricketer that night was my ultimate dream.

What’s been your most memorable match ever?
Many! One of the best was scoring a hundred at Lord’s in the England Deaf vs MCC game in 2010. The morning before the match I walked past a giant poster of Alastair Cook with the quote “Every schoolboy’s dream is to score 100 at Lord’s.” That made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end!

What do you most like about being a cricketer?
Being a role model to young, deaf cricketers, and being able to travel all over the world to play cricket and experience different cultures.

What do you least like?
As I’m getting older it gets more tiring to play cricket all day, every day.

If you were Prime Minister, how would you improve things for disabled people?
I‘d want to provide funds for disabled people to get involved in sport.

What makes you cross?
Ignorance, rudeness, and people not thinking of those who may need more help and support than themselves.

Who is your favourite disabled person ever?
Terence Parkin, the South African deaf swimmer. He won a silver in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Do you have a special or hidden talent?
I love playing most sports, such as football, but I’m not as good at them as I am at cricket!