CALNE’s Liam Dawson is hoping to force his way into the England Lions squad after earning a late call-up to the England Performance Programme.

The Lions take on Pakistan A in a 50-over series in January and the Hampshire all-rounder has his sights set on playing a part.

Dawson, who last represented the Lions on their tour to New Zealand in 2008, flew out to Dubai last night to take part in a two-and-a-half week batting and spin camp ahead of the England Lions T20 series against Pakistan A, which gets under way on Monday, December 7.

“I’m looking forward to the trip and it will be good to get outdoors again and play in some new conditions and learn off some new coaches out there too,” Dawson told the Gazette.

“When you’re not selected at the end of the summer you make other plans, but it is a great opportunity for me.

“I think to be selected on a programme like this means you are in their thoughts and that is a massive positive.

“I have just got to train well and hopefully I can stay on for the Lions game.

“There is a series against Pakistan in January as well so hopefully there is a chance that I can do well enough to be selected for the 50 over games back in Dubai.”