Yorkshire batsman Gary Ballance has expressed his surprise at being selected in England's Ashes squad to face Australia later this year.
The 23-year-old, who is one of three uncapped Test players to be named in the party, only made his international debut earlier this month when he was bowled out for a duck against Ireland.
However, his impressive form for his county has seen him beat the likes of Ravi Bopara and James Taylor to a spot in the side, and Ballance is delighted to have got the call.
"I wasn't expecting it and I was surprised when I got the call. I am looking forward to it," Ballance told reporters. "It will be a great lifetime experience. It will be an honour to represent England at the highest level and it will be extra special in an Ashes Series.
"It will be a little daunting playing with some of the best players in the world but I know that I'll be made welcome. I've spoken to Joe [Root], Jonny [Bairstow] and Tim [Bresnan] about the England set-up and they speak highly of the dressing room. It is very much like a club environment where everyone works hard for each other with one common goal of winning. It will be a little daunting playing with some of the best players in the world but I know that I'll be made welcome.
"I expect it to be a demanding tour, with massive interest. The pitches will be quick and bouncy and there will be a lot of pressure on us to deliver. No doubt Australia will be stronger and they will want to respond after their series defeat in the summer. I'm not thinking too far in advance about breaking into the team. I will work hard on my game. Develop my skills in the nets and practice and see what comes of it. There is a lot of competition for places, which is very exciting."
Ballance scored 995 runs in 13 County Championship outings and over 600 more in limited-overs cricket for Yorkshire this summer.
Matt Cotton
