Mark Wood knows his career is still in its infancy but is thrilled a lack of experience has not deterred England from selecting him for the Test tour of the West Indies.
The Durham fast bowler has played just 23 first-class games and only managed 10 appearances in all competitions last season after a frustrating time with injuries.
But after impressing on the Lions tour in matches against South Africa A earlier this year, the 25-year-old from Ashington was given his first senior England call-up when the squad to tour the Windies was announced today.
“I am delighted. Especially when I haven’t played that many games, it is good that people have seen something in me." said Wood.
Despite an injury-hit 2014, Wood still managed to take five-wicket hauls against Yorkshire and Somerset, and he is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects on the county circuit.
Wood, who hails from the same town as former England international Steve Harmison, played in both unofficial Tests for the Lions against South Africa A over the winter and four of the five one-dayers in January and February.
His figures on largely flat pitches did not reflect some excellent performances on the tour, yet Wood was pleased he was able to put a run of games together.
“The Lions tour was fantastic and couldn’t have gone any better for me,” he added. “I managed to put a run of games together and put in the performances and that has obviously stood me in good stead."
Slow mo of England new boy Mark Wood #WIvEnghttps://t.co/oZ1s6OO3rE
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) March 18, 2015
Wood joins Durham team-mate Ben Stokes in the squad for the tour, which will encompass two two-day warm-ups before three Test matches in Antigua, Grenada and Barbados respectively.
Durham head coach Jon Lewis added: "Everyone at the club is thrilled for Mark.
"He's a great lad who has worked incredibly hard at his game, despite one or two setbacks with injuries. He caught the eye again out in South Africa and Kevin Shine (ECB Fast Bowling Coach) has kept tabs on him throughout the last few years.
"It's more good news for our academy because Mark is a local product who was given plenty of first team opportunities at a young age."