GARETH Cross is hoping some eye-catching performances for Lancashire can propel him into the England one-day reckoning in the next couple of years.
The Bury-born wicketkeeper impressed many observers with his dashing stroke-play for Lancashire last summer, and admits to harbouring ambitions of pulling on the England jersey.
With the wicketkeeper's spot very much up for grabs in the England one-day team, Cross has every chance to stake his claim this summer.
"If I got the chance to play, especially one-day cricket, I would love to represent England," said the 23-year-old.
"One-day and Twenty20 cricket is where I have got most of my opportunities for Lancashire and I managed to do well in them. Obviously I want to play four-day cricket as well, so this year I want to play more in the Championship."
Cross saw his Championship appearances limited last season due to the impressive form of fellow keeper Luke Sutton. However, Cross is confident there is room in the side for both players, and is looking to make more of an impact this summer.
"It's like every club - there are two people who want a place and some games we both play, others it will be just one of us," said Cross.
"We are both good batsmen and it is up to the manager who plays.
"I aim to play in every game and if I do well in them I will be happy."
Lancashire are going for glory on four fronts this year, and Cross is hoping the Old Trafford men will be able to end the season with at least one piece of silverware.
"Every year we want to win the Championship," said Cross, who was the second highest run-scorer for the second team last season with 658.
"We haven't won anything for a few years so it would be nice to win something.
"We came close in the Pro40, Twenty20 and Championship last season, and not as well in the Friends Provident Trophy, but we will be trying to win all four this year.
"I have been working on my game since December. I have worked a lot on my batting and getting my technique back because keeping comes quite natural to me really."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article