LANCASHIRE all-rounder Tom Smith is hoping to start his cricketing new year with a bang in Bangladesh after his inclusion in England's A side.

The former Chorley pro has been included in the 14-man squad, that will play two Test matches and three one-day internationals, on the tour starting next month.

And Smith has one eye on full England honours in the summer if he can impress on the sub-continent after improving his game in Perth with the National Academy.

It's been a meteoric rise for Smith who only made his County Championship debut at the start of last season.

And after taking 35 wickets in his rookie season, and appearing in a Lord's final, Smith will be looking to hone his skills in Bangladesh before he embarks on a new season in domestic cricket.

He said: "I'm pretty delighted with what's happened in my career so far. Obviously, coming back from the academy I feel like I've improved my game.

"And it was great to hear that I'd been picked for the A side. I hoped that I had a chance to be picked for the full one-day side but I knew deep down that, with the quality of cricketers out there, it probably wasn't my time yet.

"But I'm looking forward to going to Bangladesh. I've toured on the sub-continent in India with England under-19s so I know what to expect.

"As long as you go with an open mind and try enjoy the chance to see another culture and how other people live then you should be ok.

"We've got some decent games so I'm hoping to get in good nick ready to join up with Lancashire."

And Smith, who turned 21 on Boxing Day, reckons he's taken his game onto the next level after his time Down Under.

He added: "The trip to Perth wasn't a normal tour. It was more about working on the technical aspects of your game. You got out of it what you wanted.

"My batting needed to improve and I feel that I've done that. We did play a few games and I was able to play alongside Michael Vaughan, which was fantastic.

"To be able to speak to him and see how he goes about his game was an experience. To be able to learn of someone like him can only help me."

And with the new domestic season just over four months away, Smith is hoping for bigger things in 2007.

"I need to score more runs and hopefully help Lancashire pick up some silverware and if I can do well then England may look at me. But I'm only 21 and I've got plenty of time on my side."