DEAN Bedford was bowled over by England’s deaf team's displays in a European tournament held in Holland.

The 25-year-old from Laindon lined up in all five of England’s matches in Rotterdam,finishing the tournament with an economy rate of just 4.25 runs an over.

And he was thrilled by how England performed in a number of close-run matches as they continued their preparations for the Twenty20 deaf World Cup in Dubai next year.

“It was fantastic to be a part of it all and we played well too,” said Bedford.

“The matches were all really close and a few didn’t quite go our way but I think we were all really encouraged by how we played and we learnt a lot from the games too which was really important ahead of the World Cup.”

England played two warm-up matches against Holland’s under-19 team, one of which they won and one they lost before beginning the competition with a win against France.

After that came an 11-run defeat against Denmark and a five-wicket reverse to Holland A.

But Bedford, who ended the event with a batting average of 22, will now be looking to also impress for Basildon and Pitsea’s first team where he is also youth manager.

“I like coaching when I am not with England and I hope to inspire an already talented youth set up at Basildon,” said Bedford.

“I also want to inspire a generation in Basildon to come and give cricket a try and I really want to do well for the club too because I owe everything I’ve achieved in my cricketing career to them.”