Essex Vice-captain Tom Westley joined up with the England Test squad yesterday ahead of making his debut against South Africa tomorrow.
The Third Test of the series will take place at The Oval and Westley will bat at number three for the home side.
The 28-year-old completed all his respective Media duties yesterday and is primed and ready to go against the Proteas.
Westley said: “I feel like I am as a ready as I ever will be. I am 28 now and have been consistently scoring runs for a number of years for Essex now. The key is to try and replicate that for England and cement my place in the top order.
“It is very reassuring to be given the opportunity to bat at number three. Ever since the call up that has given me the assurance that I will be making my debut. Rather than just being named in a squad I have known ever since the call that I will be playing so that has helped me get prepared and get my head round it.”
Westley joined up with Essex teammate Alastair Cook at The Oval and added: “It has been nice to see him. It has been a little while since the last Championship game and I was away with the Lions for a little bit but it has been good to catch up.
“I love batting with Cooky for Essex, so hopefully we can bat for long periods together for England and both be successful.”
