'I was a little bit speechless' – Lewis Gregory on England Test call-up

Gregory has been in stunning form in County Championship cricket over the last couple of seasons. This season, in particular, he has picked up 44 wickets from eight matches at a staggering 13.88.

Most recently, captaining England Lions against the Australians, he picked up key wickets of Joe Burns, Marcus Harris and Travis Head across the two innings to help hold the strong opposition to a tough draw in Canterbury. It was on the final day of the game that he received the call.

"I was really excited when Ed called me this morning. I was a little bit speechless, I didn't know what to say," he told reporters after the end of day's play on Wednesday, 17 July.

He said the weariness from toiling on a tough surface against the Australians had eased off after he received the call.

"I was really excited when Ed called me this morning. I was a little bit speechless, I didn't know what to say. It's been a really tough game on a pretty docile wicket, and there's some sore and tired bodies in there, but when you get the news I got this morning it gives you a little bit of a lift, and you feel a little bit better."

Gregory knows that if all goes to plan, he could be in contention for a spot in England's Ashes squad too. For that he'll have to impress against Ireland, should he get the chance, and he's certainly not lacking in confidence.

"It's been always been a dream of mine, and I've always believed that I was good enough and have the ability to play international cricket.

"The last two summers, I've put in performances consistently enough to raise that belief. And I always knew that, if I kept performing, there would be an opportunity at some stage. If next week's that, then hopefully I'll go and perform and put my hand up for an Ashes call as well."

The lone Test against Ireland, a four-day affair, gets underway at Lord's on 24 July.