Former Australia quick Dan Worrall says he is shutting out speculation over a potential England debut this summer - but reaffirmed he is ready to make the switch should the call arrive.
Worrall, who was born in Melbourne but holds a British passport through his father, played three One-Day Internationals for Australia in 2016 before moving to the UK on a permanent basis.
He has turned out for Surrey as a local player since 2022 and been a key part of their hat-trick of County Championship wins, taking 52 wickets at an average of 16 last season.
The 33-year-old will become eligible to represent England this summer and managing director Rob Key is on record as saying he will be considered for selection when the time comes.
However, Worrall insists he is not allowing himself to be distracted by the additional intrigue that will follow his performances as Surrey start their title defence early next month.
“Everyone else keeps talking about it, but I’m just going to go out and do my best for Surrey,” Worrall said.
“Nothing’s progressed as far as I’m concerned. If anything’s happening in the background, it is. But yeah, that’s for everyone else to deal with and speculate about, I guess.”
Pressed on whether he would accept a call-up, the seamer confirmed: “Yeah, of course.”
England play six Tests this summer, with a one-off game against Zimbabwe followed by a five-match series against India.
Worrall’s inclusion in any of those would raise the tantalising possibility of a return to the land of his birth for the winter’s Ashes tour, where his knowledge of the conditions and Kookaburra ball could prove a vital ace card.
England have been evolving their seam attack over the last 18 months with a view to the Ashes, with the retirements of James Anderson and Stuart Broad followed by the emergence of high-pace options in Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse. From his local knowledge, Worrall believes they are heading in the right direction.
“I think the way that the English cricket are setting up their fast bowling cartel is the way forward to win in Australia,” Worrall said. “We’ve seen success from Gus, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood. I think they’re trying to get Jofra [Archer] up and about for that Ashes series.
“There is the necessity for pace and bounce in Australia. I don’t think that’s a secret for anyone. The Australian team has taken wickets consistently for the last decade with guys that are over six-foot two, bowl fast and don’t really miss a spot.
“So, naturally there’s a challenge for English bowlers going over to Australia because of that difference and like I mentioned earlier, having the different variables to control. But I think the way that the guys are setting up now, it gives himself the best chance to perform well.”
