Former Oxfordshire fast bowler Jack Brooks has expressed his delight at being called up for the England Performance Squad.

The 27-year-old seamer, who now plays for Northants, has been identified by the national selectors as having the potential to play key roles for England going forward.

He is one of 17 players to have been selected on the England Performance Programme (EPP), which consists of a three-week training programme at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough next month followed by a training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa for the fast bowlers.

Brooks, who played his club cricket in Oxfordshire for Tiddington and Oxford, said: “I was elated when they gave me the call. I’m absolutely over the moon.

“I thought my chance had gone when I got injured over the last six weeks of the season, but my performances before that were good enough to get me selected.

“It’s going to be an exciting winter ahead now, and I can’t wait to get started.

“I will look to work on my fitness during the programme and I can’t wait to learn new skills from the coaches on the programme.

“It will be good to work with other cricketers who are also striving to break through into the international game.”

Northants head coach David Capel added: “This is fantastic news for Jack. I think he will benefit greatly from this programme.

“Jack proved himself this season with the new ball and I believe he can progress further to become a big asset for Northants cricket, and break into the international scene.”

THE MP Sports Cherwell League presentation evening takes place at the Spread Eagle Hotel, Thame tomorrow (7.30pm).