KARL Brown is banking on a stint in Australia toughening him up for county cricket.

The Bolton-born batsman spent the winter playing club cricket in Melbourne and believes the experience has made him a better player as he plots a path into Lancashire's first team.

"It was a very good experience and I learnt a lot," said the 19-year-old. "It's a different way of playing over there. It is really competitive and that makes you grow up.

"You are out there on your own, without your mates, up against players you have never seen before. You just have to fend for yourself.

"You do get a bit of ribbing too, but you have got to expect that being an English lad in Australia. It helps your batting by playing over there because you can play different shots that you wouldn't normally play in England. You can develop your game in a different way."

It's a big year for Brown, pictured, who signed a two-year deal to stay at Old Trafford over the winter. And the former Atherton star, who has again taken up a position as pro at Central Lancashire League club Milnrow this season, is looking to impress the selectors through sheer weight of runs in the seconds.

"I want to have a good solid start in the second team and try and push for a place in the first-team at some point," said Brown.

"Hopefully I can convert a few 30s and 40s into hundreds and then I'll be knocking on the door.

"When you see lads like Paul Horton breaking into the first team and scoring lots of runs it does help you out knowing that somebody else can do it. It makes you think you can do it yourself.

"A good season for me would be to get a couple of big scores for the second team and get a couple of first-team games under my belt.

"I have played a few already, but hopefully I can get a few more games in this season."