CALNE cricketer Liam Dawson was more than happy to alter his winter plans after receiving a call-up to the England Performance Programme for the first time.

Hampshire ace Dawson will join county teammates James Vince and Reece Topley at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough next week before attending the batting and spin camp in Dubai, starting on November 11.

All-rounder Dawson, who has also turned out for Goatacre in recent seasons, got the call from ECB National Selector James Whitaker, necessitating a change to his plan to play in the Bangladesh Premier League.

“I’m very happy – it was a little unexpected having planned to play in the Bangladesh Premier League but I had a phone call from James Whitaker saying I’d been selected for the EPP,'' Dawson told Hampshire CCC's website.

"I’m delighted to be called up for a programme like that. It’s a good opportunity for me but also rewarding for finishing the season strongly with Hampshire.

“It’s nice going into the camp knowing other people on the programme – obviously Vincey (James Vince) and Briggsy (Danny Briggs) will be there too with Reece Topley as well so it will be good to be around those guys.”

The two and a half week camp will also see the left-arm spinner work with former New Zealand Test Bowler Daniel Vettori.

“To work with someone like Daniel Vettori, who is going to be a spin coach there will be fantastic,'' he added.

"I’m looking forward to the challenges the camp might bring and whilst it will be hard work, the chance to develop as a player in this way and get some cricket in too is a great opportunity.''

He added: "“I think I’ve got to be myself and take what I do for Hampshire into the camp – that’s the reason I’ve been selected for it so as long as I stick to that it should be a good trip. I’m hoping to take away a few things and put that into practice heading into next season.”

Dawson was Hampshire's leading wicket taker in the Royal London One-Day Cup campaign with 15 dismissals and 324 runs at an impressive average of 64.