Tom Savage is part of a 15-man national moderate learning difficulties squad which will contest a tri-nation competition also involving South Africa.

His mum Karen said: "He's really happy and it's done his confidence the world of good. It came as a total surprise because I didn't even know there was a moderate learning difficulties team."

The 19-year-old is one of two spin bowlers in the England party which will fly out on its trip Down Under next Thursday before returning on Monday December 14.

Tom's cricketing talent was noticed during Sussex County Cricket Club's coaching sessions at St Mary's School as part of the Chance 2 Shine programme.

Tim Shutt (Sussex Cricket Board cricket development manager) made the call to one of the England coaches and Tom was invited to attend various development days.

After impressing, he was chosen to represent England in some friendly matches against local club sides and learning difficulty county teams.

Initially brought up in Ripe near Lewes, Tom has always had an interest in sport, particularly cricket, and according to his mum, had a bat in his hand at the age of two.

He played for Laughton and Glynde & Beddingham before spending a couple of seasons with Sidley where he made one appearance for the seconds and several for the thirds.

Tom played for Parkhurst, a Bexhill-based team which plays friendly matches, during the 2009 campaign when he was in the locality.

He left St Mary's in the summer after three years in the college part of the school and has joined his parents in Northampton where he is now in a mainstream college.

Alison Larkin, PE teacher at St Mary's, said: "It couldn't have happened to a nicer person. He was really committed to his cricket, it was his passion.

"He was a very talented player and he used to help me with some of the younger children. He was really popular and got on really well with all the students here."

His parents moved to Northampton in 2007 as a result of his dad's work commitments having lived in Sussex for 15 years.

Tom, who has a speech and language disorder, initially remained at St Mary's before moving north to be with his parents.