GLOUCESTERSHIRE captain Richard Trotman has been named in a squad of 12 for England Over 50s’ opening Ashes clash against Australia on June 23.
The Twyford House all-rounder last year helped England to World Cup glory in South Africa.
And he will be hoping to feature in the starting line-up at Broxbourne in a game which heralds the start of an intense period of internationals.
England have a second Ashes date against Australia in Radlett on June 26 before a stand-alone international against India, back at Broxbourne, the next day.
And it will then be time for the Marlborough Cup from June 30-July 2 with England set to face Wales, Australia and India.
Preparations are also already being made for England to defend the World Cup in Sri Lanka, in February.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE O50s’ 2nd XI tied a dramatic local derby at home to Somerset thanks to Dennis Mullings ending the match by sending down a ‘dot’ ball.
The visitors needed seven off the final over of a low scoring encounter to grab the win, but managed only six to ensure that honours were shared at Bristol West Indian Phoenix.
Andy Kear and Matt Cannon took two wickets apiece for Gloucestershire while there were also tight spells from Sean Walters and captain Steve Pennington.
Earlier, the home outfit had to battle their way to a total of 149-9 from their 45 after losing the toss, Cannon top scoring on 30 from 28 while Pennington dropped anchor for 23 off 65.
The 60s’ first XI succumbed by five wickets away to Somerset despite the efforts of opener Ian Robson (64) and Steve Witcomb (53 not), while the 3rds were also on the wrong end of the result against their nearest and dearest with a 97-run setback at Barrow Gurney where Peter Adams top scored on 74.
A disappointing set of results was compounded with the 50s 2nds going down by three wickets at Dorset, Ben Cambridge top scoring on 55 at No 9 while Srini Kamath hit 42.