AT the start of the season, Lancashire all-rounder Tom Smith was just hoping to get some experience in the Red Rose County's first team.

But this coming winter, he will be part of the ECB's academy squad based in Western Australia - a group of players who are effectively the back-up to the Ashes squad.

And the 20-year-old admitted he couldn't have wished, even in his wildest dreams, that he would be in this position.

He said: "I couldn't have asked for a better first season.

"A couple of the lads said I'd get into the academy squad and there were a few rumours, but it was still an unbelievable moment when I saw my name on television."

Smith, along with players with Test experience such as Rob Key, Jon Lewis and Owais Shah, will be based in Perth with a view to try and improve their game.

The likes of Andrew Flintoff, and more recently Saj Mahmood and Liam Plunkett, have all come through the academy and Smith is hoping to follow in their footsteps.

He added: "I've spoken to a couple of the boys and they've told me that the facilities out there are second to none.

"I'll be there with some quality players and I'll have a good chance to learn about my game.

"The academy players will be the main back-up to the Ashes squad and just to be out there will be a fantastic experience.

"My main aim is to take my game to the next level and prepare my body for the rigours of the county circuit.

"It's been a bit of a shock to my body but I'll be better prepared next season."

But Smith admitted he's allowed himself to think about playing in cricket's fiercest rivalry.

"It would be mind-blowing to play in an Ashes Test. I think there's a few people in front of me but you never know."

Lancashire captain Mark Chilton believes Smith is an England star in the making.

"I definitely think it is great he is going and England have got their eye on him, because he will continue to develop."