TOM Alsop is delighted to have been called up for the England Lion’s training camp in Dubai where they will play games against Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates.

The 20-year-old from Rowde found out he was part of the squad last Friday and he said it is was hard to keeping it to himself ahead of the official announcement on Monday.

“I got a call last Friday explaining that I’ve been selected but I had to keep it under wraps until it got announced,” said Alsop.

“It (the Lions camp) was something at the start of the season I was hoping I could get on if everything went well, it was always in the back of my mind but I wasn’t 100 per cent sure of it until I got the call.

“I told my family when I got the news, it’s a huge milestone. You look at all the best players in the world who have gone on to play for England after getting on the Lions tour so this is a huge stepping stone.

“It’s a platform to propel myself in the future and obviously come back next year and have an even better season.”

The announcement comes just a few weeks after he managed to claim his maiden first-class century for Hampshire in their draw with Surrey earlier this month.

Alsop, who also plays for Potterne in the West of England Premier League when available, is looking forward to pitting his wits against his fellow Lions teammates and said he may even treat himself to a new watch to celebrate.

“The overall experience I’m looking forward to, I haven’t been to Dubai yet so that will be a great experience,” added Alsop.

“But also, I’m looking forward to the challenge and seeing how much it improves my game.

“It would be the highest standard I’ve played to date, I’d love to do well and score lots of runs which I expect from myself.

“Hopefully I can excel at that level and get used to it pretty quickly.

“We finish the season this week and then I can think about celebrating, maybe I’ll go and buy a new watch because I’m a bit of a watch fanatic.”