LIAM Dawson is hoping his all-round game can help him force his way into the reckoning for England's starting XI at the World Twenty20 tournament.

Preparations for the World Twenty20 begin in earnest on Saturday with a warm-up match against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium.

Uncapped Calne spinner Dawson will be hoping for a chance to impress in that game, having been handed a surprise call-up despite head coach Trevor Bayliss admitting he had only seen the 26-year-old bowl in the nets.

Early last season he was even sent on loan from Hampshire to Essex but finished the campaign strongly after returning to his parent club.

"I wouldn't have expected to be here now but I'm really excited," said Goatacre CC ace Dawson.

"I've always known I could do it and the way I finished the season gave me a lot of confidence.

"I'm a three-dimensional cricketer: I bat, bowl and field well and that's what I can bring to the team.

"I've played lot of cricket for someone my age and I've played in finals days for Hampshire so I hope that stands me in good stead if I am to play.

"You're going to be nervous, obviously, because it could be my debut at some point but if I can do what I've been doing for Hampshire hopefully it will be all right."