Simon Kerrigan is hoping to force his way into the England team for the fifth Ashes Test against Australia after being named in the 14-man squad for The Oval contest.
The uncapped Lancashire spinner is the second leading wicket-taker in the LV= County Championship Division Two after taking 47 scalps at an average of 20.23 this season.
He has been called up as cover in case England decide to rest Graeme Swann after his 23 Ashes wickets to date this summer, but is determined to push his case before the match starts on Wednesday.
“I found out on Saturday when I got a call from Geoff Miller. I’m delighted to be selected, but it was a bit hard to take in when he rang. It all felt a bit surreal to be honest.”
Simon Kerrigan
“Hopefully I can impress over the next couple of days and be ready if they choose two spinners,” said the 24-year-old.
Kerrigan admits the England summons from national selector Geoff Miller came out of the blue.
He said: “I found out on Saturday when I got a call from Geoff Miller. I’m delighted to be selected, but it was a bit hard to take in when he rang.
“It all felt a bit surreal to be honest.
“I’ve been inundated with good luck messages and congratulations. My phone went into a bit of a meltdown this morning, and I’m grateful for all the messages and good wishes.”
Warwickshire’s Chris Woakes is the other uncapped player in the England squad and he is looking forward to an opportunity which will mark the “pinnacle” of his career so far if he makes the XI.
“I’m thrilled to be named in the squad for the final Ashes Test of the summer,” he said.
“Representing your country in any form of the game is a great honour. But Test match cricket, particularly the Ashes, is the pinnacle.
“I was fortunate to be with the team on every day of the fourth Test in Durham, and now being included in the squad is a great opportunity for me to impress – as well as being one that I will relish.”