Payne targets Netherlands series for England breakthrough

DAVID Payne is targeting England’s one-day series in the Netherlands next month for his breakthrough into international cricket.

The Gloucestershire left-arm seamer came close to achieving the ambition last year when selected for the three-match series against Pakistan in July without being given a game.

Far from being frustrated by that experience, Payne, pictured, says the chance to train with the England squad only whetted his appetite make the white-ball team.

Having added an extra half-yard of pace to his armoury in recent seasons, he also believes it is not too late to challenge for a Test place at the age of 31. Payne told me: “Merely being involved with England last summer and seeing the way players like Ben Stokes go about their business gave me a huge lift.

“When we went two up in the series against Pakistan I’d be lying if I said it didn’t cross my mind I might play in the final game, but it wasn’t to be.

“It just showed how ruthless England were about winning and the bowlers selected ahead of me were not that experienced at international level, so they needed games. I came away heartened by the whole experience. Through previous conversations with selectors, I knew I had to work on my pace and it has definitely increased over the past couple of years.

“Now I feel I am not that far off England selection in both white and redball cricket. But a one-day international is still probably my best chance and the Netherlands trip is certainly one I have an eye on.”

Payne’s surprise call-up last year came at a time when the England one-day squad had been decimated by Covid-19. He was disappointed not to be awarded a place on the Lions tour to Australia last winter.

Now, with the Test team in a period of transition, David rightly feels there will be opportunities for batsmen and bowlers who impress regularly in the County Championship.

Efforts to impress were initially hampered by Payne catching Covid in pre-season, which along with an ankle niggle, caused him to miss Gloucestershire’s first three games.

But he was back in action against

Surrey at Bristol last weekend, claiming three wickets in the visitors’ massive first innings of 603.

“The pitch was quite slow and I was happy enough with how I bowled,” he said. “Hopefully, I can get wickets under my belt in the first division to help press my case with England.

“I certainly don’t think it is too late for me. In fact, I’m glad I was as experienced as I was in county cricket before looking to increase my pace.

“I have been able to do it without sacrificing other attributes. As a younger bowler, that might not have been the case.”