ORMSKIRK CC player Simon Kerrigan has been picked for the England Lions squad for the three-match one-day series againstŠSri Lanka A which is set to begin at WorcesterŠ tomorrow.

Kerrigan was exposed to the downs and ups of the pro cricketer’s life on Monday when the 22-year-old spinner was told by Lancashire coach Peter Moores that he was not in the side for theŠFriends Provident t20 quarter-final against Sussex.

Then, the highly-rated slow left-arm bowler was given the good news that he had been picked for the Lions squad.

“The news came out of the blue really, but obviously I’m very pleased about it” said Kerrigan.

“After being chosen for the EnglandŠDevelopment squad in the winter, it was an ambition of mine to get into the Lions side.”

Kerrigan’sŠ selection has come during a seasonŠ in which hisŠ first team opportunitiesŠ at Old Trafford have been a little restricted, and he admits that he has found this both frustrating andŠ a useful test of his professionalism.

He said: “I turn up at games thinking I’ve got a good chanceŠ of playingŠ and then I’m told that I’m not Šin the team.

“ButŠ as a professional cricketer you have to deal with that and get on with the next game. I still think I’m bowling really well.”

And Kerrigan’s assessment of his progress Šwas confirmed byŠLancashire second team coach Gary Yates, who believes that theŠEngland selectors have made a “very wise” choice.

“Simon’s development has been quick and very exciting,” said Yates. “In his short time in theŠ first-classŠ game his statistics are starting to prove that he’s a player with the talent and potential to become an international cricketer.

“He’s added more patience to his game this season.”

Kerrigan continued: “I’d agree with thatŠ assessment.

“The patience has come from my knowing my own game and having toŠ bowl in powerplay overs when you have to stick to a game plan.”

Despite his Lancashire commitments, Kerrigan hasŠ also made important contributions to Ormskirk’s bid to win the Liverpool Competition’s Premier League title and club skipper Ian Robinson is also delightedŠ by his player’s selection.

“It’s very well deserved,” he said. “It’s fantastic newsŠ and we’re very pleased for him. In himself he hasn’t changed since he joined Ormskirk.

“He’s always been a very confident bowler, whoŠ knew what field he wanted.

“However, he has become more consistent and more difficult to score off.”