AN up-and-coming young cricketer has got a surprise Test call-up -- as a net bowler for the next England match against Pakistan.

James Anyon, 18, who attends Preston College, has been selected after his blistering start to the season, and will be called on as a practice bowler for England's best batsmen, including Lancashire's Mike Atherton.

For James, a talented middle-order batsman and seam bowler for Preston Cricket Club, just scored his first hundred against Darwen last Sunday, followed by an impressive bowling average which has seen him take two wickets for just 11 runs already this season.

James, from Calder Vale, near Garstang, is currently studying for his A levels and hopes to go to Loughborough University to study Sports Science. He said he is over the moon at being asked to join the England senior squad at Old Trafford next Thursday.

"I'm absolutely thrilled be be asked down there as a net bowler. I play for Lancashire's Under 19s team, so there will be some scouts there who will already know my name.

"It's going to be a brilliant opportunity for me just to spend some time with the senior England players."

James' impressive 100 against Darwen last Sunday was Preston Cricket Club's first century score since 1989 in the Northern Premier League, but it was James' bowling which caught the eye of the back-room staff at Lancashire Cricket Club.

He added: "I've learnt a lot since playing for Preston Cricket Club as there's a lot of talented players in the team.

"It's my ambition to become a professional cricketer and you never know, my time at Old Trafford next week could be the start I've been looking for."