A STOCKTON funeral car chauffeur will represent his country at cricket this summer.

Tom Stafford, who works for family-run funeral firm Crake and Mallon, has been selected to keep wicket for the England Over-60s’ side.

The 67-year-old, who plays for Yarm Cricket Club and Yorkshire Over-60s, will play in a game against Durham Over-50s’ County Champions.

Mr Stafford, who played for England in 2011 and 2012, hoped he would be selected again this summer.

He said: “I am really pleased.

Nothing quite compares to playing with three lions on your shirt.”

The England Over-60s were due to play a visiting Australian Over-60s’ side but that team pulled out.

Mr Stafford said: “I understand they wanted to change the rules so that a batsman retired when he got a certain number of runs, but the ECB [England and Wales Cricket Board] said it had to be real cricket or nothing.

“Reading between the lines, I suspect they were trying to restrict our batsmen as we’ve beaten the Aussies every time we’ve played them.

“It’s a shame, but the selectors have managed to arrange alternative fixtures so we can play this season.”

The England side will be captained by former minor counties cricketer Raymond Swann, father of Graeme and Alec Swann. Graeme is a former Nottinghamshire and England player, while Alec is a former county cricketer.

Mr Stafford promised a good game for spectators. “They will be able to enjoy some superb cricket in spite of the fact that we are slightly slower and less flexible than the England first team,” he said.

Alison Crake, senior partner at Crake and Mallon, said: “Tom’s enthusiasm for cricket is infectious and he is such a great ambassador for the game, as well as for our company. We will all be cheering him on.”

England Over-60s v Durham Over-50s is at Norton Cricket Club, Station Road, Stockton, on Sunday, June 8, at 1pm.